Comprehensive Study Guide for Exam 2: Introduction to Psychology

Q1. What are the differences between the two main models of how memory works?

Background

Topic: Models of Memory

This question tests your understanding of the major theoretical models that explain how memory functions, such as the Information-Processing Model and the Parallel Distributed Processing Model.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Information-Processing Model: Describes memory as a process involving encoding, storage, and retrieval, similar to how a computer processes information.

• Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) Model: Suggests that memory processes occur simultaneously (in parallel) across a network of interconnected units.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Start by defining each model: What is the basic premise of the Information-Processing Model? What is the basic premise of the PDP Model?

2. Identify the key features of each model, such as the stages in the Information-Processing Model (sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory) and the network structure in the PDP Model.

3. Compare how each model explains the flow and storage of information in memory.

4. Think about the strengths and limitations of each model. For example, which model better accounts for the complexity of human memory?

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Q2. What is the capacity of sensory memory? What are the special types of sensory memory, and what are their capacities?

Background

Topic: Sensory Memory

This question examines your knowledge of the initial stage of memory, focusing on its capacity and the different types (iconic and echoic memory).

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Sensory Memory: The brief storage of sensory information.

• Iconic Memory: Visual sensory memory.

• Echoic Memory: Auditory sensory memory.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define sensory memory and its general function in the memory process.

2. Identify the two main types of sensory memory: iconic and echoic.

3. Describe the typical capacity and duration for each type (e.g., how much information can be held and for how long).

4. Consider examples of how each type of sensory memory operates in everyday life.

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Q3. Approximately how much information can be held in short-term memory? How do we know? What are some strategies people can use to increase this number?

Background

Topic: Short-Term Memory (STM)

This question tests your understanding of the capacity of STM, the research supporting this, and memory strategies like chunking.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Short-Term Memory (STM): The memory system where information is held for brief periods while being used.

• Chunking: Grouping information into meaningful units to increase STM capacity.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the classic research findings (e.g., Miller's "magic number").

2. Explain how researchers determined the capacity of STM.

3. List and describe at least one strategy (such as chunking) that can help increase STM capacity.

4. Think about examples of how these strategies are used in real life.

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Q4. How do concepts help us to classify things? What if a thing partially, but not entirely, fits into a concept we have?

Background

Topic: Concepts and Prototypes

This question explores how mental categories (concepts) help us organize information and deal with ambiguous cases.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Concept: A mental grouping of similar objects, events, or people.

• Prototype: A best example or average member of a concept.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define what a concept is and how it functions in cognition.

2. Explain the role of prototypes in classifying new information.

3. Discuss what happens when an item only partially fits a concept (e.g., fuzzy boundaries, graded membership).

4. Provide an example of a borderline case and how you might decide whether it fits the concept.

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Q5. How is IQ calculated?

Background

Topic: Intelligence Testing

This question tests your understanding of the formula and reasoning behind the calculation of Intelligence Quotient (IQ).

Key Formula:

• $\text{IQ} = \frac{\text{Mental Age}}{\text{Chronological Age}} \times 100$

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the definitions of mental age and chronological age.

2. Write out the formula for calculating IQ.

3. Plug in hypothetical values for mental age and chronological age to see how the formula works.

4. Consider what an IQ score above or below 100 means in this context.

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Q6. How does language influence the way people think?

Background

Topic: Language and Cognition

This question examines the relationship between language and thought, including the linguistic relativity hypothesis.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis: The idea that the language you speak influences the way you think.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define the linguistic relativity hypothesis.

2. Describe examples of how language might shape perception or categorization.

3. Consider research evidence supporting or challenging this hypothesis.

4. Think about how this might apply to bilingual individuals.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!