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What is the definition of cognitive psychology?
What is the definition of cognitive psychology?
The scientific study of the mind, focusing on understanding, processing, and acting on information.
Who established the first psychology lab?
Who established the first psychology lab?
Which psychological approach focuses on observable behavior?
Which psychological approach focuses on observable behavior?
What are the four main factors influencing memory?
What are the four main factors influencing memory?
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In the multi-store model of memory, iconic memory lasts about _____ seconds.
In the multi-store model of memory, iconic memory lasts about _____ seconds.
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Long-term memory has unlimited capacity and does not decay over time.
Long-term memory has unlimited capacity and does not decay over time.
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What is the difference between short-term memory and working memory?
What is the difference between short-term memory and working memory?
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Who contributed to the understanding of memory processes during the cognitive revolution?
Who contributed to the understanding of memory processes during the cognitive revolution?
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In the multi-store model of memory, echoic memory lasts about _____ seconds.
In the multi-store model of memory, echoic memory lasts about _____ seconds.
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Match the following key figures with their contributions to psychology:
Match the following key figures with their contributions to psychology:
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Study Notes
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, focusing on understanding, processing, and acting on information.
- Top-down processing: Prior knowledge and expectations influence our perception of the world.
History of Cognitive Psychology
- Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology lab in 1879.
- Edward Titchener developed structuralism, using introspection to study mental processes.
- William James introduced functionalism, emphasizing how mental processes aid in adaptation.
- John Watson founded behaviorism, focused solely on observable behavior, ignoring mental processes.
- B.F. Skinner pioneered operant conditioning, demonstrating how behaviors change based on rewards.
Research Methods
- Scientific methods aim to determine cause-and-effect by manipulating variables under controlled conditions.
- Ecological validity ensures laboratory findings are applicable to real-world situations.
- Experimental cognitive psychology uses lab studies to understand cognitive processes by measuring accuracy and reaction times.
Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience seeks to understand the brain regions and timings of specific cognitive processes.
- Techniques such as ERPs (Event-Related Potentials), TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) measure brain activity, but provide correlational rather than causal evidence.
Cognitive Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Neuropsychology examines brain-damaged patients to understand how different brain areas contribute to cognitive functions.
- Challenges include individual differences, interconnected brain processes, and compensatory strategies used by the brain.
Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
- Aims to simulate cognitive processes using computer models.
- Examples include models for reading and language learning.
- Limitations include complexity, difficulty in testing, and influence of programming choices.
Combining Approaches
- Combining different research methods strengthens the evidence.
- Conflicting findings often reveal the need for further research.
Replication Crisis
- Questionable Research Practices (QRPs) can affect the reliability of research.
- Publication bias favors positive results, often neglecting failed studies.
- Open science and pre-registration (establishing hypotheses and methods before collecting data) aim to address these issues.
Memory and Forgetting
- Memory enables us to recall events, people, and our sense of self.
- Memory consists of a series of actions and processes.
- Four main factors influencing memory: events, participants, encoding (how information is stored), and retrieval (how information is accessed).
Stages of Memory
- Encoding: Transforming information into a format that can be stored.
- Consolidation: Making biological connections to past knowledge.
- Storage: Keeping information over time.
- Retrieval: Accessing stored information. Failing to retrieve leads to forgetting.
Multi-Store Model of Memory
- Proposed by Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968)
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Sensory Stores: Process initial information.
- Iconic Memory (visual): Lasts ~1 second.
- Echoic Memory (auditory): Lasts ~2 seconds.
- Short-Term Memory: Holds ~7 ± 2 items (Miller, 1956) or 4 "chunks" (Cowan, 2000)
- Long-Term Memory: Requires consolidation and rehearsal; has unlimited capacity but can decay.
Working Memory
- Replaces short-term memory in more complex tasks.
- Proposed by Baddeley & Hitch (1974)
- Working memory combines short-term storage and processing.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts and history of cognitive psychology, including influential figures and research methods. Explore how cognition influences perception and behavior through scientific investigation. This quiz is suitable for students studying introductory cognitive psychology.