Psychology 4040, Fall 2006 Name ________________________

Dr. Stephen R. Schmidt

TEST 1

I. In one or two sentences, define the following concepts: (5 pts each)

1) functional magnetic resonance imaging:

2) cognitive neuroscience:

3) excitatory connection:

4) interstimulus interval

5) template:

6) capacity theory:

7) bottleneck theory:

8) threshold:

9) phonological loop:

10) semantic code:

II. Short Answer: (10 points each)

Be sure to read the whole question, and answer each part of the question!

1. What is the information processing approach to cognitive psychology, and how did this approach emerge from modern metaphors of the mind?

2. Briefly describe a neural network theory (e.g., McClelland & Rumelhart, 1981) of pattern recognition. How does context influence pattern recognition in this model?

3. What are the distinguishing characteristics of the sensory information storage systems in general? What important functions do they play in cognitive processing?

4. Briefly distinguish between automatic and controlled processes. In a resource allocation model of attention, why is it important that some processes are automatic whereas others are controlled? Provide an example.

5. Compare and contrast the concepts of STS as proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin and working memory as proposed by Baddeley.