Cognitive Processes Lesson 1

Questions and Answers

What analogy does Tolman use to describe the function of the central office in processing stimuli?

It functions similar to a navigation system that directs vehicles.

It resembles a map control room rather than a telephone exchange. (correct)

It acts like a factory assembly line managing production.

It operates like a traditional post office sorting mail.

According to the stimulus-response school, how is the behavior of the rat in the maze characterized?

The rat passively responds to external stimuli. (correct)

The rat exhibits learned behavior based on past experiences.

The rat is actively engaged in strategic planning.

The rat demonstrates cognitive problem-solving abilities.

What type of processing occurs in the central control room, according to Tolman?

Fast processing with minimal elaboration.

Simple processing with one-to-one connections.

Tentative and cognitive-like elaboration of stimuli. (correct)

Automatic responses without processing of information.

What does the term 'stimuli' refer to in the context of the rat's behavior in the maze?

A combination of sights, sounds, smells, and pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the description of the central control room's function in Tolman's theory?

It emphasizes the role of dynamic decision-making processes. Signup and view all the answers

What flaw in traditional approaches does Tolman's view of the central control room address?

Ignoring the role of cognitive processes in learning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the tentative map determine about an animal's behavior?

It reflects various environmental relationships and responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which group in the maze experiment was not fed for the shortest duration?

Group III Signup and view all the answers

What did Skinner argue about the responses to physical objects or events?

They are influenced by subtle properties of the objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the focus of Skinner's 'Verbal Behavior'?

Stimuli control language through direct associations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the maze experiment for Group II?

To measure learning when food was introduced after deprivation. Signup and view all the answers

How does Skinner's view contrast with cognitive theories regarding language?

Cognitive theories focus on intentional language use. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the role of food in the maze experiments?

Food served as a motivator for desired responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is most likely emphasized in cognitive maps regarding animal behavior?

Understanding of spatial relationships and navigation. Signup and view all the answers

Which discipline is NOT associated with cognitive processes?

Philosophy Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Watson advocate regarding the nature of psychology?

It is purely experimental and objective. Signup and view all the answers

According to Tolman, how do some psychologists view learning in animals?

As consisting solely of stimulus-response connections. Signup and view all the answers

What process is primarily associated with the study of neurons and brain structures?

Neuroscience Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least likely to be a focus within cognitive psychology?

Group behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which research approach emphasizes objective observation over introspection?

Behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'observed behavior' primarily relate to?

Behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a component of cognitive processes as outlined?

Emotional responses Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mental chronometry' refer to?

The assessment of reaction times related to cognitive processing. Signup and view all the answers

Choice Reaction Time is characterized by what fundamental requirement in response?

Differentiating responses for different stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is mentioned to estimate stimulus evaluation time?

Donder’s subtraction method. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of cognitive models illustrated by the 'boxes and arrows' metaphor?

They indicate the flow of information processing and transfer. Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive phenomenon highlights the challenge of introspection in studying cognitive processes?

Cognitive biases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of attentional overload in cognitive studies?

The limitations of processing capacity in cognitive functions. Signup and view all the answers

Chomsky's assertion regarding stimuli suggests what about human cognitive response?

Responses are controlled by some stimulus properties. Signup and view all the answers

How does the computer metaphor relate to cognitive science?

It compares human cognition to the processing of machines. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitive Processes: History and Methods

Psychology encompasses various disciplines such as economics, sociology, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, focusing on mental processes and behavior.
Behaviorism, introduced by Watson, views psychology as an objective experimental branch of natural science, minimizing the need for introspection.
Watson emphasized that animal behavior can be studied without considering consciousness, contrasting psychology with subjective disciplines.

Tolman's Contributions

Tolman challenged the stimulus-response (S-R) model, asserting that learning involves cognitive maps rather than mere connections between stimuli and responses.
He described animal navigation, particularly in mazes, as guided by a cognitive-like map created from incoming stimuli and environmental relationships.
His experiments illustrated that learning occurs through information processing rather than simple response patterns, highlighting the differences in behavior across various conditions.

Skinner and Language

Skinner attempted to explain language through S-R relationships in "Verbal Behavior," proposing that responses to stimuli are under the control of subtle properties of the objects or events.
Chomsky critiqued Skinner's approach, arguing that human language cannot be fully explained by behaviorist principles, emphasizing the complexity of language acquisition.

Technological Influence

Technology's role in studying cognitive processes includes addressing attentional overload and employing computer metaphors to model cognitive functions.
Mental processes are often represented through cognitive models utilizing boxes and arrows to depict information processing and transfer.

Mental Chronometry

Mental chronometry measures reaction times to assess cognitive processes.
Simple Reaction Time (SRT) involves responding to a single stimulus, while Choice Reaction Time (CRT) requires responses to multiple stimuli, allowing for the estimation of stimulus evaluation time through Donder’s subtraction method.

Investigating Cognitive Processes

Cognitive processes are often investigated indirectly due to challenges associated with introspection and consciousness.
Understanding cognitive biases is crucial in unraveling the complexities of human thought and behavior.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of cognitive processes in this quiz covering history and methods. Delve into the intersections of economics, sociology, and psychology, and learn about group behavior and mental processes. This quiz is designed to enhance your understanding of cognitive psychology and its applications.