AP Psychology : Cognition

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Cognition

What is confirmation bias?

Possible Answers:

The tendency to look for evidence that confirms our current beliefs

The tendency to overlook details when looking for evidence

The tendency to hold on to beliefs despite information that contradicts them

None of these

Correct answer:

The tendency to look for evidence that confirms our current beliefs

Explanation:

Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for evidence that confirms our current beliefs. This can affect many decisions and beliefs we hold in our lives and can impede us from finding out new things about the world and new solutions to problems.  

Although the answer "the tendency to hold on to beliefs despite information that contradicts them" might have been confusing, this is not confirmation bias. This would be an instance of belief perseverance, since we actually find and recognize truthful but contradictory information, yet hold on to our beliefs anyways. Confirmation bias is when we simply seek out confirming evidence without recognizing this information.

Example Question #1836 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is not assessed on an IQ (cognitive) test?

Possible Answers:

Reading comprehension

Logical reasoning

Short-term memory

Auditory processing

Processing speed

Correct answer:

Reading comprehension

Explanation:

IQ/cognitive tests—for example, WISC-V and WJ-IV—do not assess any academic areas, such as reading, writing, or math. Academic areas are tested on achievement tests, like on the WIAT-III.

Cognitive tests focus on processing skills, such as logic, problem solving, and memory.

Example Question #162 : Cognition

Where is the amygdala located?

Possible Answers:

The occipital lobe

The cerebral cortex

The brainstem

The limbic system

The cerebellum

Correct answer:

The limbic system

Explanation:

The amygdala consists of two almond-shaped clusters that regulate much of our emotional experiences. It is located in the limbic system, which is situated between the brainstem (below) and the cerebral cortex (above). 

Example Question #163 : Cognition

Which term refers to memory loss?

Possible Answers:

Lesion

Damagia

Amnesia

Aphasia

Rexitrification

Correct answer:

Amnesia

Explanation:

Amnesia refers to the loss of memory. One may suffer from retrograde (inability to remember past memories) or anterograde (inability to make new memories) amnesia, both of which are severely debilitating. 

Damagia and rexitrification are false terms that hold no significance in psychology. Aphasia refers to the inability to comprehend or create language. Lesions refer to damaged areas of the brain.

Example Question #164 : Cognition

A subject has sustained damage to Broca's area. Which area of his functioning will be impacted?

Possible Answers:

Poor gross motor skills

Inability to form new memories

Interpreting pictures

Understanding language

Producing speech

Correct answer:

Producing speech

Explanation:

Broca's area is heavily involved in the motor movements behind speech production. Damage to this area makes it extremely difficult or impossible to produce speech, but understanding other people's speech is not impacted. This condition is commonly known as Broca's aphasia or expressive aphasia.

Example Question #7 : Other Cognitive Principles

Which of the following processes is not controlled by the frontal lobe?

Possible Answers:

Problem solving

Impulse inhibition

Hearing

Language 

Memory

Correct answer:

Hearing

Explanation:

The frontal lobe is responsible for many important processes, including problem solving, certain aspects of producing and comprehending language, controlling one's impulses, and consolidating memories. The frontal lobe is not, however, involved in hearing, which mainly takes place in the parietal lobe.

Example Question #162 : Cognition

During which stage of development do humans have the greatest number of synapses?

Possible Answers:

Young Adulthood (18-30 years old)

Late Adulthood (50-65 years old)

Infancy

Adolescence

Prenatal

Correct answer:

Infancy

Explanation:

Humans have the greatest number of synapses in infancy, connecting around 86 billion neurons. As we age, synaptic pruning occurs and unused synapses are systematically eliminated.

Example Question #165 : Cognition

Which of the following is an example of functional fixedness?

Possible Answers:

Being able to see how a bucket could act as a ladder when turned upside down

Not being able to see how a bucket could act as a step stool when turned upside down

Someone avoiding risk to achieve a potential gain

Someone taking on risk to avoid a potential loss

Someone taking on risk to achieve a potential gain

Correct answer:

Not being able to see how a bucket could act as a step stool when turned upside down

Explanation:

Functional fixedness is the inability to see the different functions of an object (use as a step stool) other than its conventional use (bucket). 

The three answer choices about risks and losses/gains explain aspects of prospect theory (people take on risks when avoiding potential loss and avoid risks to achieve potential gain), rather than functional fixedness. Functional fixedness is a theory of creativity, whereas prospect theory is a explanation of decision-making.

Example Question #166 : Cognition

A multiple-choice exam tests a student's __________ of subject material.

Possible Answers:

recognition

relearning

None of these

recall

All of these

Correct answer:

recognition

Explanation:

In multiple-choice exams, all the answers to a given question are provided; however, it is up to the exam-taker to be able to identify, or "recognize," the correct answer. Multiple-choice exams test an exam-taker's recognition of the subject material.

Example Question #1843 : Ap Psychology

A fill-in-the-blank exam tests a student's __________ of subject material.

Possible Answers:

All of these

recall

recognition

None of these

relearning

Correct answer:

recall

Explanation:

In fill-in-the-blank exams, it is up to the exam-taker to be able to remember, or "recall," information learned in the past to be able to correctly answer questions. Fill-in-the-blank exams test an exam-taker's recall ability—how well they can correctly remember information without it being overtly presented to them.

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