Question 1

Based on their evaluation of human characteristics,our forebears called our species,homo sapiens,which means
A)rational man.
B)creative man.
C)anthropomorphic man.
D)anthropocentric man.

Accepted Answer

Homo sapiens is derived from Latin words that mean "wise man" or "knowing man". Therefore, the most accurate choice is "rational man".

Question 2

__________ simplify and summarize information about the world so that it is manageable.
A)Concepts
B)Prototypes
C)Mental sets
D)Algorithms

Accepted Answer

Concepts are mental representations that simplify and summarize information about the world, making it more manageable. By grouping things together based on shared characteristics, concepts enable us to quickly identify and understand new experiences. Prototypes, mental sets, and algorithms are all related to different aspects of cognition, but only concepts fit the description of simplifying and summarizing information.

Question 3

On a trip to Australia,Caleb sees an ibis for the first time.Despite never having seen one before,he uses his ______________ for bird to quickly identify the ibis as a type of bird.
A)mental set
B)concept
C)algorithm
D)proposition

Accepted Answer

A concept is a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people. Caleb's ability to quickly identify the ibis as a type of bird is an example of utilizing a pre-existing concept of "bird" to categorize the new information he is receiving.

Question 4

Which example of the concept chair is most likely to be a prototype?
A)beanbag chair
B)high chair
C)dining room chair
D)rocking chair

Accepted Answer

A dining room chair is a common and typical example of a chair, making it a likely prototype for the concept.

Question 5

_______________ is defined as an integrated mental network of knowledge,beliefs,and expectations concerning a particular topic.
A)Prototype
B)Mental image
C)Cognitive schema
D)Proposition

Accepted Answer

A cognitive schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. It is an integrated mental network of knowledge, beliefs, and expectations concerning a particular topic. A prototype is a typical representation of a category, a mental image is a representation of a sensory experience, and a proposition is a statement or idea expressed in language.

Question 6

Which of the following is most likely to be a prototype of the concept "fruit" for someone who grew up in the American Midwest?
A)pineapple
B)apple
C)star fruit
D)kiwi

Accepted Answer

Apples are a common fruit in the American Midwest and are often associated with the region. People who grew up in this area are more likely to be familiar with and have eaten apples than the other options listed.

Question 7

When we need to decide whether something belongs to a __________,we are likely to compare it to a(n)__________.
A)prototype;concept
B)thought;idea
C)concept;thought
D)concept;prototype

Accepted Answer

When deciding whether something belongs to a category, we are likely to compare it to a prototype or a typical example of that category. Therefore, the best choice is D, where "prototype" is the first blank and "concept" is the second blank.

Question 8

Sandra enters a restaurant and is seated.Sandra expects that the waiter will come with a menu,she will order,she will eat,and she will pay her bill.Sandra has a mental model of how restaurants operate.This mental model is also known as a
A)mental image.
B)cognitive schema.
C)proposition.
D)concept.

Accepted Answer

A mental model is a cognitive schema or framework that organizes information and knowledge about a specific concept or situation. It helps individuals understand, interpret, and navigate their environment by providing a mental framework or template for understanding and predicting events. A mental image is a visual representation of a mental model, but a mental model also includes non-visual information. A proposition is a statement about the relationship between concepts, and a concept is a mental representation of a category or group of objects, events, or experiences. While all of these terms are related to cognition and mental representation, the best answer for this particular question is B, cognitive schema, as it directly refers to the mental model of how restaurants operate that Sandra possesses.

Question 9

An especially representative example of a concept is called a(n)
A)mental set.
B)concept.
C)algorithm.
D)prototype.

Accepted Answer

The especially representative example of a concept is called a prototype. The prototype is a typical or ideal example that embodies the most important features of a concept. It is used to help us quickly identify and recognize members of a category or group. For example, a robin is a prototype for the category of birds that are small, have feathers, and can fly.

Question 10

Which of the following is a basic concept?
A)dog
B)animal
C)golden retriever
D)Chihuahua

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a basic...

Question 11

A unit of meaning that is made up of concepts and expresses a single idea is called a
A)prototype.
B)mental image.
C)cognitive schema.
D)proposition.

Accepted Answer

A proposition is a unit of meaning that expresses a single idea. Prototypes are mental representations of the typical example of a category. Mental images are mental representations of sensory experiences. Cognitive schemas are mental frameworks for organizing and interpreting information.

Question 12

Frida is a young child in the process of developing concepts.Which of the following concepts is she most likely to learn first?
A)vehicle
B)Honda
C)Ford
D)car

Accepted Answer

"Car" is a more general concept that is easier for young children to grasp than specific brands like Honda or Ford. "Vehicle" is also a more general concept, but may be slightly more abstract for a young child to understand.

Question 13

Cognition is a synonym for
A)perception.
B)learning.
C)thinking.
D)intelligence.

Accepted Answer

Cognition refers to mental processes and activities related to acquiring, processing, understanding, and using information, which includes thinking, memory, attention, perception, and problem-solving. While learning and intelligence are related to cognition, they are not direct synonyms. Perception refers to the process of recognizing and interpreting sensory stimuli.

Question 14

Both propositions and mental images can be used to construct
A)cognitive schemas.
B)concepts.
C)prototypes.
D)implicit thoughts.

Accepted Answer

Both propositions (statements that convey meaning) and mental images (mental representations of sensory experiences) can be used to construct cognitive schemas, which are organized structures of knowledge about a particular concept or category. Propositions can provide factual information, while mental images can provide visual or sensory details, but together they can contribute to the formation of a schema. Therefore, choice A is the best answer. Choices B, C, and D are not as accurate or comprehensive as choice A.

Question 15

Most people take longer to identify a platypus as a mammal than it takes them to identify a cat as a mammal.This is likely because a cat is closer to most people's _______________ for the concept of mammal.
A)mental set
B)prototype
C)basic concept
D)algorithm

Accepted Answer

A prototype is a mental image or best example that incorporates all the features we associate with a category. Cats are a more typical or representative example of a mammal than platypuses, so people can quickly identify them as such.

Question 16

Some researchers are finding evidence that __________ affect concepts.
A)perceptions
B)relationships
C)vocabulary and grammar
D)experiences

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some researchers are finding evidence that __________...

Question 17

When we think
A)we passively record information.
B)we physically alter the environment.
C)we mentally manipulate internal representations of objects,activities,and situations.
D)we focus on present reality.

Accepted Answer

When we think, we mentally manipulate internal representations of objects, activities, and situations. This involves processing information, drawing on past experiences and knowledge, and making connections between ideas. Thinking is an active process that involves the manipulation of mental representations, rather than just the passive recording of information (A) or the physical alteration of the environment (B). While we often focus on present reality while thinking, this is not the defining characteristic of the process (D).

Question 18

A mental category that groups objects,relations,activities,abstractions,or qualities having common properties is called a(n)
A)mental set.
B)concept.
C)algorithm.
D)prototype.

Accepted Answer

A concept is a mental category that groups objects, relations, activities, abstractions or qualities that share common properties. Mental set refers to a tendency to approach situations in a certain way, algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for problem-solving, and prototype is the best or most typical example of a particular concept.

Question 19

Which of the following is in the correct order from the basic building blocks of thought to complex networks of knowledge?
A)concepts$\rightarrow$propositions$\rightarrow$cognitive schemas
B)concepts$\rightarrow$cognitive schemas$\rightarrow$propositions
C)propositions$\rightarrow$concepts$\rightarrow$cognitive schemas
D)cognitive schemas$\rightarrow$concepts$\rightarrow$propositions

Accepted Answer

Concepts are the basic building blocks of thought, propositions are combinations of concepts, and cognitive schemas are complex networks of propositions.

Question 20

Benjamin Whorf's proposition that language molds our cognition and perception
A)is generally accepted by psychologists and linguists today.
B)has fallen into disfavor among psychologists and linguists.
C)has received some support from recent research on language and perception.
D)has recently been disproved by research.

Accepted Answer

While Whorf's original formulation of linguistic relativity has been largely discredited, recent research in cognitive science has provided support for the idea that language can influence perception and cognition in a variety of domains. Studies have shown, for instance, that the availability of certain linguistic distinctions can affect how people think about concepts like time, space, and number. However, it is important to note that these effects are typically subtle and context-dependent, and do not suggest that language determines cognition in any absolute or deterministic sense.

Quiz 7: Thinking and Intelligence

Based on their evaluation of human characteristics,our forebears called our species,homo sapiens,which means

__________ simplify and summarize information about the world so that it is manageable.

On a trip to Australia,Caleb sees an ibis for the first time.Despite never having seen one before,he uses his ______________ for bird to quickly identify the ibis as a type of bird.

Which example of the concept chair is most likely to be a prototype?

_______________ is defined as an integrated mental network of knowledge,beliefs,and expectations concerning a particular topic.

Which of the following is most likely to be a prototype of the concept "fruit" for someone who grew up in the American Midwest?

When we need to decide whether something belongs to a ,we are likely to compare it to a(n) .

Sandra enters a restaurant and is seated.Sandra expects that the waiter will come with a menu,she will order,she will eat,and she will pay her bill.Sandra has a mental model of how restaurants operate.This mental model is also known as a

An especially representative example of a concept is called a(n)

Which of the following is a basic concept?

A unit of meaning that is made up of concepts and expresses a single idea is called a

Frida is a young child in the process of developing concepts.Which of the following concepts is she most likely to learn first?

Cognition is a synonym for

Both propositions and mental images can be used to construct

Most people take longer to identify a platypus as a mammal than it takes them to identify a cat as a mammal.This is likely because a cat is closer to most people's _______________ for the concept of mammal.

Some researchers are finding evidence that __________ affect concepts.

When we think

A mental category that groups objects,relations,activities,abstractions,or qualities having common properties is called a(n)

Which of the following is in the correct order from the basic building blocks of thought to complex networks of knowledge?

Benjamin Whorf's proposition that language molds our cognition and perception