Cognitive Psychology

Learning Activity

Unit 1 Study Guide: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Use this study guide to help you understand the concepts better. Complete each of the activities below to create a study guide that can be used to study for your Unit 5 Exam. The best way to use this guide is to complete this after you have read and participated in discussion. Do not consult your notes so that you use your long-term memory during recall. As you will learn, this is the most effective method for learning and understanding new information.

1. Define cognitive psychology.

A type of psychology that emphasizes on mental processes, including how people think, perceive, remember, and learn.

2. How was Phineas Gage responsible for changing how cognitive psychologists and neurologists understood how the brain works?

He was among the first studies in neuropsychology. His case helped reveal different locations of the brain that controlled different physical and cognitive functions.

3. List the three parts of the memory system and briefly explain each.

a. Sensory Store –

Lasts less than a second

Occurs when one or more sensory organs form a sensory impression

b. Working Memory -

Messages are collected and sent here, processed according to content, limited in capacity, is the seat of our attention

Working memory = short term memory + process/emotion/stress

c. Long Term Memory -

Relatively permanent store of info, unlimited capacity, long duration, transfer from short term memory to long term memory via rehearsal loop

4. Explain Broadbent's Bottleneck theory. Draw a picture if you like.

[pic]

5. What is the rehearsal loop and how does it work?

It serves as a passageway between sensory memory and long...