Cognitive SAQ Terminology

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

The mental process of encoding, storing and retrieving information.

Question 2

Memory model

Answer 2

A hypothesized representation of memory

Question 3

Multi store model

Answer 3

Atkinson and Shiffrin, three types of memory: sensory, short-term, long-term. Sensory -> short term is attention and rehearsal, short term -> long term is consolidation, long term -> short term is retrieval.

Question 4

Working memory model

Answer 4

STM has four main components: central executive (controls attention), phonological loop (for sounds), visuospatial sketchpad (for images), episodic buffer (temporary memory storage until needed)

Question 5

Schema

Answer 5

A cluster of knowledge or memory that is stored in the mind in fragments that allows individuals to interpret and understand the world around them.

Question 6

Framework

Answer 6

Schemas operate by selectively organizing the on-going experience of each person into subjectively meaningful patterns.

Question 7

Reconstruction

Answer 7

An imperfect replica of a situation or memory formed by the piecing together of schemas and other fragments of memories.

Question 8

Thinking

Answer 8

The process of using knowledge and information to make plans, interpret the world, and make predictions about the world in general

Question 9

Decision-making

Answer 9

The process of identifying and choosing between alternatives.

Question 10

Dual process theory

Answer 10

Assumes we think in two ways, rational thinking and automatic thinking.

Question 11

Controlled thinking

Answer 11

Also known as System 2 thinking. More analytical and goal-directed thinking are requires time and effort

Question 12

Automatic thinking

Answer 12

Also known as System 1 thinking. It is fast, automatic and requires little to no thought.

Question 13

Heuristics

Answer 13

A mental shortcut that allows people to solve problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently.

Question 14

Internal validity

Answer 14

The extent to which a study actually demonstrates the relationship that it intended to.

Question 15

External validity

Answer 15

The extent to which the results can be generalized to other contexts.

Question 16

Reliability

Answer 16

A measure of consistency within results of psychological research.

Question 17

Correlation vs causation

Answer 17

Correlation is a link between two variables whereas causation is when one variable directly affects a change in the other. Correlation does not imply causation.

Question 18

Purpose of ethical considerations

Answer 18

To ensure participants (both humans and animals) are not harmed and that research conducted is ethically valid.

Question 19

BPS/APA

Answer 19

British Psychological Society, American Psychological Association. They established lists of ethical considerations that must be adhered to for research to be accepted.

Question 20

Cognitive processing

Answer 20

Processes including perception, thinking, problem solving, memory, language and attention, processes that happen within the brain.

Question 21

Levelling

Answer 21

The tendency to discard minor details and distinctions.

Question 22

Sharpening

Answer 22

Exaggerating or making certain aspects of memory more profound.

Question 23

Assimilation

Answer 23

The adjustment of a schema by adding information similar to what is already known.

Question 24

Bias

Answer 24

A tendency to respond one way compared to another when making a decision, they are systematic errors in judgement that have a negative impact on thinking and decision-making.

Question 25

Anchoring bias

Answer 25

A cognitive bias that causes us to rely too heavily on the first piece of information we are given about a topic.

Question 26

Illusory correlation

Answer 26

When a relationship between two variables is identified when, in fact, no relationship exists.

Question 27

Halo effect

Answer 27

The idea that people who are judged to be attractive are typically perceived in a positive light.

Question 28

Emotion

Answer 28

A strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.

Question 29

Flashbulb memory

Answer 29

Exceptionally vivid and highly detailed ‘snapshots’ of moments or circumstances in response to important, surprising or traumatising events.

Question 30

Now print

Answer 30

A special mechanism which exists in the brain, which issues an order to preserve moments of great personal significance.

Question 31

Amygdala

Answer 31

A part of the brain primarily involved in the processing of emotions and memories associated with fear.