This practice test covers key concepts from AP Psychology Unit 5, focusing on cognitive psychology. Remember to consult your textbook and class notes for a comprehensive review. Good luck!
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.
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Which of the following is NOT a stage in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory? a) Sensory memory b) Short-term memory c) Long-term memory d) Working memory
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The encoding specificity principle suggests that: a) We remember information better when we are in the same emotional state as when we learned it. b) We remember information better when the context at retrieval matches the context at encoding. c) We remember information better when we use elaborative rehearsal. d) We remember information better when we use mnemonic devices.
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What is the capacity of short-term memory, according to Miller's research? a) Unlimited b) Approximately 7 +/- 2 items c) Approximately 20 items d) It varies significantly depending on individual cognitive abilities.
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Chunking involves: a) Repeating information to oneself to maintain it in short-term memory. b) Grouping individual pieces of information into larger, more meaningful units. c) Transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory. d) Retrieving information from long-term memory.
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The misinformation effect refers to: a) The inability to recall information due to interference from other memories. b) The distortion of memories due to misleading information after the event. c) The tendency to forget information over time. d) The difficulty in recalling specific details of an event.
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Which type of memory is responsible for procedural skills, like riding a bike? a) Episodic memory b) Semantic memory c) Implicit memory d) Explicit memory
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A heuristic is: a) A step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution. b) A mental shortcut that can lead to errors. c) A type of memory bias. d) A problem-solving strategy that always leads to the correct answer.
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Confirmation bias refers to: a) The tendency to seek out information that confirms existing beliefs. b) The tendency to overestimate one's own abilities. c) The tendency to attribute success to internal factors and failure to external factors. d) The tendency to remember positive information better than negative information.
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What is the process of transforming information into a format that can be stored in memory? a) Retrieval b) Storage c) Encoding d) Rehearsal
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Which of the following is an example of a mnemonic device? a) Elaborative rehearsal b) The method of loci c) Chunking d) Both b and c
Section 2: Free Response
Instructions: Answer the following free-response questions in complete sentences.
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Describe the three stages of memory processing according to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model. Explain the limitations of this model and how the concept of working memory addresses those limitations.
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Compare and contrast explicit and implicit memory. Provide examples of each type of memory.
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Explain the concept of cognitive biases and describe at least two specific cognitive biases with examples of how they might affect decision-making.
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Discuss the factors that can influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, and explain how these factors might lead to errors in memory.
Answer Key (Multiple Choice): 1. d, 2. b, 3. b, 4. b, 5. b, 6. c, 7. b, 8. a, 9. c, 10. d
This practice test provides a solid foundation for reviewing Unit 5. Remember to delve deeper into each concept to fully prepare for the AP exam. Good luck with your studies!
