Working Memory Basics
A student mentally keeps a phone number active while dialing it. Which process is mainly being used?
A. Long-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Sensory memory
D. Episodic memory
B. Working memory
Miller’s “Magic Number 7 ± 2” describes limits on what ability?
A. Attention span
B. Reaction time
C. Short-term / working memory capacity
D. Sensory memory duration
C. Short-term / working memory capacity
Forgetting a new password because you keep recalling your old one is an example of:
A. Retroactive interference
B. Proactive interference
C. Chunking
D. Acoustic confusion
B. Proactive interference
Which component is most involved when silently repeating a grocery list?
A. Visuospatial sketchpad
B. Episodic buffer
C. Phonological loop
D. Central executive
C. Phonological loop
Why is it difficult to listen to directions while driving in heavy traffic?
A. Memory decay
B. Both tasks compete for the visuospatial sketchpad
C. Rehearsal failure
D. Semantic interference
B. Both tasks compete for the visuospatial sketchpad
Which feature best distinguishes working memory from long-term memory during problem solving?
A. Permanent storage
B. Passive storage
C. Active manipulation of information
D. Unlimited capacity
C. Active manipulation of information
Why was Miller’s (1956) paper especially important for cognitive psychology?
A. It rejected mental processes
B. It focused on internal mental processing during behaviorism
C. It eliminated memory limits
D. It proved memory is visual
B. It focused on internal mental processing during behaviorism
Wickens et al. (1976) showed memory improves when switching to a new word category. This is known as:
A. Chunking
B. Serial position effect
C. Release from proactive interference
D. Rehearsal
C. Release from proactive interference
Remembering the layout of a map uses which component most heavily?
A. Phonological loop
B. Central executive
C. Episodic buffer
D. Visuospatial sketchpad
D. Visuospatial sketchpad
Confusing similar-sounding letters like B and D is called:
A. Chunking
B. Release from interference
C. Acoustic confusion
D. Visual decay
C. Acoustic confusion
Why is working memory considered “limited”?
A. It stores memories forever
B. It can only hold a small amount of information at one time
C. It only processes visual information
D. It eliminates interference
B. It can only hold a small amount of information at one time
Phone numbers are easier to remember because people group digits together. This strategy is called:
A. Rehearsal
B. Interference
C. Chunking
D. Subvocalization
C. Chunking
Why does recall improve when categories change from “occupations” to “fruits”?
A. Less rehearsal is needed
B. Semantic similarity is reduced
C. Visual imagery increases
D. Capacity increases
B. Semantic similarity is reduced
Which component coordinates attention, selects strategies, and suppresses distractions?
A. Episodic buffer
B. Phonological loop
C. Central executive
D. Sensory memory
C. Central executive
Which group is most likely to struggle with central executive tasks?
A. Individuals with high IQ
B. People with depression only
C. Individuals with ADHD
D. Older adults only
C. Individuals with ADHD