Question 1

What is critical for selecting data to process in working memory?

Accepted Answer

The ability to focus and switch attention is critical for selecting data to process in working memory. Emotionally connecting to the information may enhance the encoding process, but it is not critical for selecting data to process in working memory. Repeating information may help in maintaining it in working memory, but it does not pertain to the selection process. Good eye-hand coordination is not directly related to working memory.

Question 2

Categorization is related to information processing because recognizing categories ______.

Accepted Answer

Categorization creates efficient storage and retrieval in memory by grouping similar information together, making it easier to remember and recall. It does not directly involve sensory memory or replace the need for working memory, although it may free up space in working memory by reducing cognitive load.

Question 3

A statement that describes attention and memory in infancy is that infants ______.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that infants show a greater level of attention and interest in dynamic stimuli, such as moving objects or human faces, as they are more likely to capture their attention and elicit a response. Infants' memory skills are also present at birth, but they develop gradually over time through experiences and interactions with the environment.

Question 4

What is the name of the experimental task in which an infant interacts with an adult who first engages in normal social interaction and then suddenly becomes unresponsive?

Accepted Answer

The experimental task in which an infant interacts with an adult who first engages in normal social interaction and then suddenly becomes unresponsive is called the still-face interaction paradigm. Option B (violation-of-expectation task) is an experimental task where infants are shown a possible event and an impossible event to see whether they display surprise or novelty response. Option C (information processing approach) refers to an approach that seeks to understand how cognitive development occurs through examining how children physically, mentally, and emotionally process and respond to information in their environments. Option D (A-not-B error) is an error made by infants when they continue to search for an object in a location where they previously found it (location A), even after seeing it being hidden in a different location (location B).

Question 5

What type of studies would a researcher employ to gather information about infant memory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of studies would a researcher...

Question 6

An unlimited store that holds information indefinitely is called what type of memory?

Accepted Answer

Long-term memory is a type of memory that is not limited in terms of storage capacity and can hold information for an indefinite amount of time. Short-term memory, on the other hand, has a limited capacity and can only hold information for a short period of time. Working memory is a type of short-term memory that is involved in actively processing information, such as problem-solving or decision-making. Sensory memory is a type of memory that briefly holds information from our senses before it is transferred to short-term or long-term memory.

Question 7

Researchers typically study infant attention using which procedures?

Accepted Answer

Researchers typically study infant attention using preferential looking and habituation procedures. These procedures involve presenting infants with stimuli and measuring their visual attention to determine which stimuli they prefer to look at and how quickly they habituate to repeated presentations of a particular stimulus. These measures can provide insights into infants' perceptual and cognitive abilities, as well as their preferences and learning.

Question 8

Combining new information with information already in working memory is part of ______.

Accepted Answer

Combining new information with information already in working memory is a task of executive function, which involves the ability to manipulate and control information in working memory. Sensory memory relates to the initial processing of sensory information, sensory regulation involves the ability to regulate one's sensory environment, and reflexive abilities relate to automatic or involuntary responses.

Question 9

What method used to study infant categorization involves a researcher recording an infant's pattern of handling objects when shown to him or her?

Accepted Answer

The method described is sequential touching, where researchers observe how an infant handles objects in a sequential manner when presented with them. This can provide insight into how the infant is categorizing the objects based on their physical properties. The other options listed are techniques used in the study of infant development, but do not involve specifically observing the handling of objects.

Question 10

Carter is an infant who enjoys playing patty-cake with his mother. Carter does not do the hand motions to patty-cake all the time, but when his mother sits down in front of him and puts her hands together, he starts doing the hand motions. In which type of memory is Carter's knowledge of the hand motions to patty-cake stored?

Accepted Answer

Carter's knowledge of the hand motions to patty-cake is stored in his long-term memory, as he is able to retrieve the information to perform the actions when prompted by his mother. This suggests that he has encoded the information and stored it for later use.

Question 11

A factor that improves an infant's ability to recall events is ______.

Accepted Answer

Being in familiar surroundings can improve an infant's ability to recall events because the familiarity provides a sense of security and comfort which can enhance memory retention.

Question 12

Which statement is inconsistent with the information processing system view?

Accepted Answer

The information processing system view posits that information is primarily processed in working or short-term memory, not in long-term memory. Long-term memory is more about the storage of information over time rather than the active manipulation or processing of it.

Question 13

At which age do infants start showing gains in attention?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At which age do infants start showing...

Question 14

With respect to attentiveness, compared to older infants, younger infants ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With respect to attentiveness, compared to older...

Question 15

Dr. Cary is interested in researching an infant's ability to categorize. What technique should she choose in order to gather the information she needs?

Accepted Answer

A habituation study involves exposing infants to a stimuli until they become habituated, meaning they are no longer interested or respond to the stimuli. Then a new stimuli is introduced, and if the infants show renewed interest or respond differently, it suggests that they have categorized the two stimuli as different. Therefore, a habituation study is a reliable technique for Dr. Cary to use in order to gather information about an infant's ability to categorize.

Question 16

John visited his grandma's house with his parents when he was a toddler, and spent the time playing by himself. Casey visited her grandma's house when she was a toddler, and got to pick out a longed-for puppy from a litter her grandma's dog had. Which of the children will most likely remember this event?

Accepted Answer

Casey's emotional engagement in the visit, specifically the joy of getting a longed-for puppy, is likely to make this event more memorable to her than John's solitary playtime.

Question 17

Grouping different stimuli from a common class is called ______.

Accepted Answer

Categorization is the process of grouping different stimuli from a common class based on similarities in their properties or characteristics. It is a fundamental cognitive process that helps us understand and organize the world around us.

Question 18

Maddie watches her mother hide her favorite toy behind the couch. When she gets down from her high chair after lunch, she crawls over to the couch and gets her toy. What type of memory is Maddie using?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Maddie watches her mother hide her favorite...

Question 19

Which area is a control processor that directs the flow of information and regulates cognitive activities such as attention, action, and problem solving?

Accepted Answer

The central executive is the part of the brain that directs the flow of information and regulates cognitive activities such as attention, action, and problem solving. Sensory memory is the brief retention of sensory information, sensory regulator is not a recognized term, and reflex center is a region of the brain that controls reflex actions.

Question 20

The ability to focus and switch attention is influenced by ______.

Accepted Answer

The ability to focus and switch attention is closely related to neurological development, as it involves the functioning of brain networks responsible for attentional control. Metabolic changes, fine motor skills, and social bonding skills can all potentially impact attention to some extent, but they may not have as direct or significant of an influence as neurological factors.

Quiz 5: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood