AP Psychology cognitive psychology review

What is cognitive psychology?

Study of mental processes: perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Define schemas.

Mental structures that organize knowledge and guide information processing.

True or false: Memory is a static process.

False, because memory is reconstructive and can change over time.

Difference between short-term and long-term memory.

Short-term: limited capacity, brief duration. Long-term: unlimited capacity, potentially permanent.

What is the role of attention?

Focuses cognitive resources on specific stimuli, allowing for information processing.

Question: What is encoding?

Process of transforming sensory input into a form usable by memory.

Fill in the blank: The _____ model describes memory as a set of interconnected systems.

information-processing

What is cognitive dissonance?

Mental discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Define heuristics.

Mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making but can lead to errors.

True or false: Retrieval is the process of storing information.

False, because retrieval is obtaining stored information for use.

Difference between explicit and implicit memory.

Explicit: conscious recall of facts/events. Implicit: automatic skills, conditioned responses.

What is the function of working memory?

Temporarily holds and manipulates information for cognitive tasks.

Question: What is the availability heuristic?

Judging the likelihood of events based on examples readily available in memory.

Fill in the blank: The _____ effect refers to the tendency to remember the first items in a list.

primacy

What is the confirmation bias?

Tendency to search for, interpret, or remember information that confirms existing beliefs.

Define metacognition.

Awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes.

True or false: All memories are accurate representations of past experiences.

False, because memories can be distorted and influenced by various factors.

What is retroactive interference?

When new information interferes with the retrieval of older information.

Question: What does the term 'prospective memory' refer to?

Remembering to perform a planned action in the future.