AP Psych Unit 2 (edit def)

What is the main focus of cognition in AP Psychology?

Cognition encompasses processes behind how we think, learn, remember, and use information.

Define sensation in the context of perception.

Sensation is the biological process where sensory organs detect physical stimuli from the environment.

What is perception?

Perception is the cognitive process of interpreting and organizing sensory information.

Differentiate between bottom-up and top-down processing.

Bottom-up processing builds perception from sensory input, while top-down processing uses pre-existing knowledge to interpret sensory information.

What are schemas in psychology?

Schemas are mental frameworks that organize and interpret information.

What is the cocktail party effect an example of?

Selective attention, where individuals focus on a specific stimulus while ignoring others.

What do Gestalt principles explain?

Gestalt principles explain how our brains perceive patterns and organize visual information.

List two types of depth perception cues.

Monocular cues and binocular cues.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?

Explicit memory involves conscious recall of facts/events, while implicit memory includes skills and procedures performed unconsciously.

Explain Long-term Potentiation (LTP).

LTP is the strengthening of synaptic connections through frequent activation.

What is the multi-store model of memory?

It describes how information flows from sensory memory to short-term memory and then to long-term memory.

Define maintenance rehearsal.

Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information to keep it in short-term memory.

What is the testing effect?

The phenomenon where taking tests improves long-term retention of material more than studying alone.

What does the term 'cognitive fallacies' refer to?

Cognitive fallacies are errors in judgment or reasoning, such as the gambler's fallacy or sunk cost fallacy.

What is proactive interference?

Proactive interference occurs when older memories disrupt the recall of new information.

What is a fixed mindset regarding intelligence?

A belief that intelligence is static and unchangeable.

Define metacognition.

Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one’s own learning processes.

How does the Flynn Effect relate to IQ scores?

The Flynn Effect refers to the observed increase in average IQ scores over time due to various factors.

What distinguishes achievement tests from aptitude tests?

Achievement tests measure knowledge in specific areas, while aptitude tests assess potential to learn or perform in particular areas.