Question 1

Cassandra's working-memory capacity is enhanced following age-related gains in her
A) metacognition.
B) ability to scaffold.
C) processing speed.
D) cognitive self-regulation.

Accepted Answer

Age-related gains in processing speed are associated with an increase in working-memory capacity.

Question 2

Theresa is in a period of the most energetic development of her executive function. What is her age range?
A) She is in the preschool years.
B) She is in her school years.
C) She is in late adolescence.
D) She is an emerging adult.

Accepted Answer

The most energetic development of executive function occurs during the school years, typically between the ages of 6 and 12.

Question 3

Similarity in development of processing speed across diverse tasks in several cultures
A) is most likely due to a decrease in the level of neurons and their connections.
B) implies a fundamental change in efficiency of the information-processing system.
C) indicates irregular levels of synaptic pruning.
D) is unrelated to increased capacity of working memory.

Accepted Answer

The similarity in development of processing speed across diverse tasks in several cultures suggests a fundamental change in the efficiency of the information-processing system, reflecting improvements in how quickly and effectively the brain processes information. This does not necessarily relate to a decrease in neurons or their connections, irregular synaptic pruning, or directly to the capacity of working memory, but rather to the overall efficiency of processing information.

Question 4

The more information we process in working memory and the more effectively we process it, the more likely it will transfer to
A) long-term memory.
B) the central executive.
C) the sensory register.
D) the short-term memory store.

Accepted Answer

The transfer of information from working memory to long-term memory is dependent on the amount and effectiveness of processing in working memory. Therefore, the more information we process in working memory and the more effectively we process it, the more likely it is to transfer to long-term memory.

Question 5

Individual differences on working-memory tasks are of particular concern because working-memory capacity
A) is dependent on long-term memory capacity.
B) predicts academic achievement in adolescence.
C) is essential for any automatic processes.
D) determines sensory register effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Working-memory capacity has been found to predict academic achievement in adolescence. Other choices are either not directly related to working-memory capacity or not supported by research evidence.

Question 6

Long-term memory
A) stores information temporarily.
B) is the conscious part of the cognitive system.
C) is unlimited in capacity.
D) directs the flow of information in the cognitive system.

Accepted Answer

Long-term memory is believed to be unlimited in capacity, meaning it can store a vast amount of information for an indefinite amount of time. This is in contrast to short-term or working memory, which has a limited storage capacity and only holds information for a short period of time.

Question 7

The set of cognitive operations and strategies necessary for self-initiated, purposeful behavior in relatively novel, challenging situations is known as
A) automatic processes.
B) the central executive.
C) system inputs.
D) executive function.

Accepted Answer

The set of cognitive operations and strategies necessary for self-initiated, purposeful behavior in relatively novel, challenging situations is known as executive function. Option A (automatic processes) refers to cognitive processes that are performed without deliberate effort or conscious awareness. Option B (the central executive) is a component of executive function responsible for controlling and coordinating other cognitive processes. Option C (system inputs) is not directly related to executive function.

Question 8

In the store model of the information-processing system, the central executive __________ the mental system.
A) directs the flow of information in
B) is the unconscious part of
C) operates on and transforms information in
D) is the initial storage site of information in

Accepted Answer

The store model of the information-processing system proposes that the central executive is responsible for directing the flow of information in the mental system, coordinating the activity of the other components (such as the sensory register and long-term memory).

Question 9

Seven-year-old Carlos is presented with a verbatim digit span task. Carlos should be able to recall _________ digits.
A) 1 or 2
B) 2 or 3
C) 4 or 5
D) 6 or 7

Accepted Answer

According to research, at the age of seven, children should be able to recall 4-5 digits on a verbatim digit span task. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 10

Heritability evidence suggests that individual differences in working-memory capacity and attentional processing
A) are seldom found within a given culture.
B) cannot be determined with any degree of reliability.
C) are influenced by substantial genetic contributions.
D) rely almost exclusively on external or environmental factors.

Accepted Answer

Heritability evidence suggests that individual differences in working-memory capacity and attentional processing are significantly influenced by genetic factors.

Question 11

The store model of the information-processing system suggests that the aspects of __________ and __________ improve with age.
A) basic capacity; executive function
B) processing speed; overall capacity
C) retrieval accuracy; processing speed
D) metacognitive skills; strategy use

Accepted Answer

The store model of the information-processing system suggests that basic capacity and executive function improve with age, as these are fundamental components of cognitive development that enhance the ability to process and manage information.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true regarding working memory?
A) Working memory is the conscious, reflective part of our mental system.
B) The capacity of working memory is far more restricted than that of the sensory register.
C) Most school-age children can hold 10 to 12 items in their working memory.
D) The capacity of working memory is far greater than that of the long-term memory store.

Accepted Answer

Working memory has a limited capacity, usually capable of holding only 5-9 items, compared to the sensory register which can hold a large quantity of sensory information. This answer option correctly states that the capacity of working memory is far more restricted than that of the sensory register. The other options are not accurate statements about working memory.

Question 13

Mario sees a familiar face at the mall, but he cannot recall the person's name. Mario is having problems with
A) storage.
B) categorization.
C) encoding.
D) retrieval.

Accepted Answer

Retrieval refers to the process of accessing or remembering information that has been previously encoded and stored in memory. In this scenario, Mario is able to recognize the person's face (which suggests successful encoding and storage of their face in memory), but he is struggling to recall their name (indicating difficulty with retrieval).

Question 14

In the store model, input in the information-processing system
A) enters the sensory register and is stored momentarily.
B) simply flows on its own through the various stores.
C) is automatically transferred into long-term memory.
D) enters the sensory register and is stored for days or weeks.

Accepted Answer

In the store model, input first enters the sensory register where it is stored momentarily before being processed further. Option B is incorrect as information does not flow on its own but requires processing by the system. Option C is incorrect as information must first pass through the short-term/mid-term stores before being consolidated into long-term memory. Option D is incorrect as the sensory register only holds information momentarily and not for days or weeks.

Question 15

A central goal of the information-processing approach is to
A) uncover mechanisms of change.
B) develop applications for classroom learning.
C) describe the normative course of cognitive development.
D) refine and revise Piaget's theory.

Accepted Answer

The central goal of the information-processing approach is to uncover the mechanisms of change in cognitive development. This approach views the mind as a complex system that processes information similar to how a computer does. Therefore, understanding the cognitive processes and mechanisms of change is crucial for explaining how individuals develop and learn over time.

Question 16

The information-processing approach focuses mainly on
A) genetic contributions to intellectual development.
B) core domains of thought.
C) the encoding, recording, and decoding of information.
D) how schemes change with age.

Accepted Answer

The information-processing approach focuses on how information is processed through encoding, recording, and decoding. It is interested in the cognitive processes involved in these steps, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Genetic contributions to intellectual development and core domains of thought are not the main focus of this approach. While the approach does involve the concept of scheme changes with age, this is not the main focus.

Question 17

As an information-processing researcher, Tim finds diagrams and flowcharts useful for
A) recording stimulus-response associations.
B) mapping the exact series of steps children and adults follow when faced with a task or problem.
C) documenting the role of reinforcement in cognitive development.
D) building computers with humanlike circuitry.

Accepted Answer

Tim finds diagrams and flowcharts useful for mapping the exact series of steps children and adults follow when faced with a task or problem. This suggests that he is interested in understanding the cognitive processes involved in completing a task, rather than building computers or documenting the role of reinforcement. The use of diagrams and flowcharts is a common tool in information-processing research to help visualize and understand complex cognitive processes.

Question 18

The store model of information processing focuses on __________ as information flows __________.
A) general units of cognitive functioning; sequentially
B) mechanisms of cognitive change; arithmetically
C) Piaget's stages; in an evolutionary manner
D) the evolutionary perspective; sequentially

Accepted Answer

The store model of information processing breaks down cognitive functioning into general units (such as attention, perception, and memory) and describes the flow of information through these units in a sequential manner, similar to a store or factory.

Question 19

Early childhood is a vital time for laying the foundations of executive function, which includes
A) adaptive responses to simple cognitive processes.
B) refinement and reorganization of existing cognitive schemes.
C) controlling information as it flows from the central executive to the short-term memory store.
D) controlling attention, suppressing impulses in favor of adaptive responses, and flexibly redirecting thought and behavior.

Accepted Answer

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that include controlling attention, impulsivity, and flexible thinking. Early childhood is a crucial time for developing these skills, as they provide the foundation for future learning and cognitive development. Option A pertains to simple cognitive processes such as responding to stimuli, while option B refers to the reorganization of existing cognitive structures rather than executive function. Option C refers to a specific aspect of the central executive, which is only one component of executive function.

Question 20

In the store model of the information-processing system, we use mental strategies to
A) direct the flow by coordinating information coming from the environment with information already in the system.
B) refer to networks of concepts and relations that permit us to think about a wide range of situations in more advanced ways.
C) prevent internal and external distracting stimuli from capturing our attention and cluttering working memory with irrelevant information.
D) operate on and transform information, increasing the chances that we will retain it, use it efficiently, and think flexibly.

Accepted Answer

The store model of the information-processing system involves controlling and processing information, which is achieved through mental operations that transform and manipulate information, enable its retention, and promote flexible thinking. These mental strategies include using cognitive tools such as rehearsal, elaboration, and organization to increase the chance of memory retention and efficient information processing. Thus, choice D is the best option.

Quiz 7: Cognitive Development: an Information-Processing Perspective

Cassandra's working-memory capacity is enhanced following age-related gains in her

Theresa is in a period of the most energetic development of her executive function. What is her age range?

Similarity in development of processing speed across diverse tasks in several cultures

The more information we process in working memory and the more effectively we process it, the more likely it will transfer to

Individual differences on working-memory tasks are of particular concern because working-memory capacity

Long-term memory

The set of cognitive operations and strategies necessary for self-initiated, purposeful behavior in relatively novel, challenging situations is known as

In the store model of the information-processing system, the central executive __________ the mental system.

Seven-year-old Carlos is presented with a verbatim digit span task. Carlos should be able to recall _________ digits.

Heritability evidence suggests that individual differences in working-memory capacity and attentional processing

The store model of the information-processing system suggests that the aspects of and improve with age.

Which of the following statements is true regarding working memory?

Mario sees a familiar face at the mall, but he cannot recall the person's name. Mario is having problems with

In the store model, input in the information-processing system

A central goal of the information-processing approach is to

The information-processing approach focuses mainly on

As an information-processing researcher, Tim finds diagrams and flowcharts useful for

The store model of information processing focuses on as information flows .

Early childhood is a vital time for laying the foundations of executive function, which includes

In the store model of the information-processing system, we use mental strategies to