1 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
This document is a compilation of UNISA Assignment and Exam Questions and Answers
Answers are motivated by a combination of:
• References
• Short summaries/reasoning regarding the relevant topic(s) in question. (Incorrect options
are also marked where applicable, in order to identify and disregard red-herring
alternatives)
Assignments covered are:
• 2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 1
• 2016 Assignment 2 – Semester 1
• 2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 2
• 2016 Assignment 2 – Semester 2
• 2018 Assignment 1 – Semester 1 - 788821
• 2018 Assignment 2 – Semester 1 - 773771
• 2018 Assignment 1 – Semester 2 - 759527
• 2018 Assignment 2 – Semester 2 - 726566
Exams covered are:
• 2013 Exam May-June
• 2013 Exam October-November
• 2014 Exam May-June
• 2014 Exam October-November
• 2015 Exam May-June
• 2015 Exam October-November
• 2016 Exam May-June
• 2016 Exam October-November
• 2017 Exam May-June
• 2017 Exam October-November
• Mock-exam
While the length of this document seems overwhelming, most of the questions and answers are
repeated in more than one exam-paper and/or assignment. Therefore, there is a big amount of
duplication in this document. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as the Prescribed textbook
states on pg. 189, that the notion of ‘relearning’ pertains to “the general finding that a shorter
period is needed, or that a ‘saving’ occurs, when you learn some information or task a second time.
This effect probably stems from the fact that some residual memory relating to your first learning
experience still remains, and this may facilitate the subsequent learning of the same information so
that it now becomes easier.”
This document is compiled in chapter-sequence, instead of chronological order of the respective
assignments and exams. This facilitates easier exam-reparation, as you can test yourself chapter-by-
chapter as you go along, and not only once all the material has been studied. Please note that some
questions refer to more than one chapter, i.e. some of the answers from Chapter 4 could also be
found in Chapter 13. Therefore, it remains necessary to study the questions in this document under
Chapter 4. Also note that this means that some questions may appear to be under the incorrect
Chapter listed in the sequence below. Note that question numbers therefore do not relate to the
papers it was asked in; it follows numerical order of this document.
Please note: This document is an additional tool for exam preparation. The Stuvia-user that compiled
and uploaded this document takes no responsibility for incorrect answers. Students must ensure
that they study the prescribed material and understand the content.
,2 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 1
QUESTION 1
In his theory of forms Plato assumes that there is a ‘true reality’ and he accepts that ___.
1) only objects in the physical world are examples of true reality, whereas abstract ideas of
objects do not exist
2) true reality consists of both objects in the physical world and abstract ideas of objects
3) true reality does not reside in objects of the physical world, but in abstract ideas that the
objects represent
4) there is no way ever to know anything of the nature of true reality
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: pg. 7 of PYC3703 Study Guide – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Plato adopted a metaphysical view in terms of which observable reality is only a world
of appearances, and he argued that a deeper or true reality resides in a world of abstract forms
and ideas.
• Option 1 is incorrect because it states the opposite of Plato’s view.
• Option 2 is incorrect because it implies that physical world and true reality have the same
status.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Plato assumed that we can learn about true reality by
rational inquiry (i.e. that thinking and reasoning leads one to find out about the true
nature of the world)
QUESTION 2
Research conducted by the zoologist Konrad Lorenz showed that newly hatched goslings will follow
the first moving figure they see and adopt that as their ‘mother’. The behavior of the goslings in
adopting their maternal figure in this way reflects ___ knowledge.
1) deductive
2) learned
3) rational
4) innate
,3 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: CP, pg. 36 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Note that the notion ‘innate’ represents the nature or genetic side of the nature-
nurture controversy.
Lorenz found that newly hatched graylag geese goslings will adopt the first moving figure that
they see as their ‘mother’, even if that figure is from a different species (i.e. a human being rather
than a goose). Zoologists argue that this ‘attachment’ behavior (i.e. following the first moving
figure as your parent) manifested by goslings is driven by instinct and derives from innate or
‘wired-in’ knowledge. It is therefore genetically programmed ‘nature-based’ behavior. A short
description of Lorenz’s experiment with geese can be found at:
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid+177087
QUESTION 3
A researcher wants to establish whether a protein-enriched diet will enhance the maze-running
performance of rats. One group of rats is fed a high-protein diet for the duration of the study; the
other group of rats receives ordinary rat chow. In this experiment, the diet fed to the two groups of
rats is the ___ variable.
1) correlated
2) control
3) dependent
4) independent
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: CP pg. 19 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: In this experiment the researchers are testing the effect of diet on maze-running.
‘’Maze running’’ is the variable that is being measured (i.e. the dependent variable) and the
researcher manipulates the type of food given to the rats to determine the influence of diet on
maze running. Therefore, because the diet is varied (two different diets are given) in this
experiment, it constitutes the independent variable.
Dependent variables are outcome responses, the values of which depend on how one or more
independent variables influence or affect the participants in the experiment.
Independent variables are aspects of an investigation that is individually manipulated, or carefully
regulated, by the experimenter, while the other aspects are held constant.
QUESTION 4
Which of the following is a statement with witch Skinner and his followers would agree?
1) Most behavior is controlled by unconscious forces.
2) The goal of behavior is self-actualisation.
3) Nature is less influential than nurture.
4) Free will is not an illusion because cognitive variables determine behavior.
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: CP pp. 11-12 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: The behaviourists placed themselves clearly on the nurture side of the nature-nurture
continuum and argued that learning and reinforcement rather than biology accounts for the
acquisition of all human behavior. This is because behaviourists such as Watson and Skinner
proceeded from the assumption that behavior can be shaped by providing suitable positive
reinforcement to strengthen desirable behavior and negative reinforcement to extinguish
undesirable behaviour. They therefore maintained that the environment plays an essential role in
the learning of all kinds of behavior, even language and cognition.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the theory of behaviourism is based on the assumption that
all behavior is fixed by patterns of conditioning, it implies that there is no free will, people
are shaped by their environment and by conditioning.
, 4 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
• Option 1 is incorrect because the behaviourists focused only on overt behavior in their
theories, and did not take unconscious, mental processes into account.
Skinner is an example of an empiricist because he tried to base his theory of behaviour on hard
empirical evidence, much of which was derived from animal research.
QUESTION 5
The primary contribution that Hermann Ebbinghaus made in his memory research to contemporary
cognitive psychology was his ___.
1) objections to the excessive emphasis placed on ecological validity in memory studies
2) use of research employing large samples of subjects
3) emphasis on a systematic, well-controlled approach to the study of memory
4) development of a theory of top-down memory processing
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: CP pg. 10 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Ebbinghaus is mainly known for conducting systematic research on his own memory
processes.
• Option 2 is incorrect because Ebbinghaus’s memory research was based on a single
subject design in which he used himself as the only subject.
• Option 1 is incorrect since he did not object to ecological validity, and did not use a strict
laboratory and controlled environment typical of experimental approaches but
experimented on himself.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Ebbinghaus followed a data-oriented bottom-up approach
and did not focus on the effect that top-down factors such as background knowledge and
context have on memory recall.
QUESTION 6
The philosopher Descartes, is known for having been a ___.
1) functionalist who tried to determine how the different functional components of the mind
fit together
2) behaviourist because he formulated the law of effect
3) pragmatist who presented many practical solutions to everyday philosophical issues
4) rationalist because he tried to prove the difference between body and mind by rational
analysis
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: PYC3793 Study Guide pp, 16-17 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Descartes is mainly known for his use of reasoning to explore the difference between
mind and the body, and to prove that the “I” (of the mind) exists as an independent being. He did
not conduct any empirical research on the mind, but relied on rational analysis in support of his
dualist position that the mind exists separately from the body.
QUESTION 7
The concept ecological validity refers to the degree to which ---
1) the findings based on a study conducted outside a psychological laboratory will also apply in
the laboratory
2) the findings based on a study conducted in a laboratory will apply outside the lab as well
3) predictions can be made of how participants in a study will react when placed in different
situations
4) the effect of situational changes on the behaviour of organisms in a particular environment
can be determined
Answer: The correct option is (2)
Refer: CP pp. 32-33 – Chapter 1
This document is a compilation of UNISA Assignment and Exam Questions and Answers
Answers are motivated by a combination of:
• References
• Short summaries/reasoning regarding the relevant topic(s) in question. (Incorrect options
are also marked where applicable, in order to identify and disregard red-herring
alternatives)
Assignments covered are:
• 2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 1
• 2016 Assignment 2 – Semester 1
• 2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 2
• 2016 Assignment 2 – Semester 2
• 2018 Assignment 1 – Semester 1 - 788821
• 2018 Assignment 2 – Semester 1 - 773771
• 2018 Assignment 1 – Semester 2 - 759527
• 2018 Assignment 2 – Semester 2 - 726566
Exams covered are:
• 2013 Exam May-June
• 2013 Exam October-November
• 2014 Exam May-June
• 2014 Exam October-November
• 2015 Exam May-June
• 2015 Exam October-November
• 2016 Exam May-June
• 2016 Exam October-November
• 2017 Exam May-June
• 2017 Exam October-November
• Mock-exam
While the length of this document seems overwhelming, most of the questions and answers are
repeated in more than one exam-paper and/or assignment. Therefore, there is a big amount of
duplication in this document. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as the Prescribed textbook
states on pg. 189, that the notion of ‘relearning’ pertains to “the general finding that a shorter
period is needed, or that a ‘saving’ occurs, when you learn some information or task a second time.
This effect probably stems from the fact that some residual memory relating to your first learning
experience still remains, and this may facilitate the subsequent learning of the same information so
that it now becomes easier.”
This document is compiled in chapter-sequence, instead of chronological order of the respective
assignments and exams. This facilitates easier exam-reparation, as you can test yourself chapter-by-
chapter as you go along, and not only once all the material has been studied. Please note that some
questions refer to more than one chapter, i.e. some of the answers from Chapter 4 could also be
found in Chapter 13. Therefore, it remains necessary to study the questions in this document under
Chapter 4. Also note that this means that some questions may appear to be under the incorrect
Chapter listed in the sequence below. Note that question numbers therefore do not relate to the
papers it was asked in; it follows numerical order of this document.
Please note: This document is an additional tool for exam preparation. The Stuvia-user that compiled
and uploaded this document takes no responsibility for incorrect answers. Students must ensure
that they study the prescribed material and understand the content.
,2 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
2016 Assignment 1 – Semester 1
QUESTION 1
In his theory of forms Plato assumes that there is a ‘true reality’ and he accepts that ___.
1) only objects in the physical world are examples of true reality, whereas abstract ideas of
objects do not exist
2) true reality consists of both objects in the physical world and abstract ideas of objects
3) true reality does not reside in objects of the physical world, but in abstract ideas that the
objects represent
4) there is no way ever to know anything of the nature of true reality
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: pg. 7 of PYC3703 Study Guide – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Plato adopted a metaphysical view in terms of which observable reality is only a world
of appearances, and he argued that a deeper or true reality resides in a world of abstract forms
and ideas.
• Option 1 is incorrect because it states the opposite of Plato’s view.
• Option 2 is incorrect because it implies that physical world and true reality have the same
status.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Plato assumed that we can learn about true reality by
rational inquiry (i.e. that thinking and reasoning leads one to find out about the true
nature of the world)
QUESTION 2
Research conducted by the zoologist Konrad Lorenz showed that newly hatched goslings will follow
the first moving figure they see and adopt that as their ‘mother’. The behavior of the goslings in
adopting their maternal figure in this way reflects ___ knowledge.
1) deductive
2) learned
3) rational
4) innate
,3 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: CP, pg. 36 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Note that the notion ‘innate’ represents the nature or genetic side of the nature-
nurture controversy.
Lorenz found that newly hatched graylag geese goslings will adopt the first moving figure that
they see as their ‘mother’, even if that figure is from a different species (i.e. a human being rather
than a goose). Zoologists argue that this ‘attachment’ behavior (i.e. following the first moving
figure as your parent) manifested by goslings is driven by instinct and derives from innate or
‘wired-in’ knowledge. It is therefore genetically programmed ‘nature-based’ behavior. A short
description of Lorenz’s experiment with geese can be found at:
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid+177087
QUESTION 3
A researcher wants to establish whether a protein-enriched diet will enhance the maze-running
performance of rats. One group of rats is fed a high-protein diet for the duration of the study; the
other group of rats receives ordinary rat chow. In this experiment, the diet fed to the two groups of
rats is the ___ variable.
1) correlated
2) control
3) dependent
4) independent
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: CP pg. 19 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: In this experiment the researchers are testing the effect of diet on maze-running.
‘’Maze running’’ is the variable that is being measured (i.e. the dependent variable) and the
researcher manipulates the type of food given to the rats to determine the influence of diet on
maze running. Therefore, because the diet is varied (two different diets are given) in this
experiment, it constitutes the independent variable.
Dependent variables are outcome responses, the values of which depend on how one or more
independent variables influence or affect the participants in the experiment.
Independent variables are aspects of an investigation that is individually manipulated, or carefully
regulated, by the experimenter, while the other aspects are held constant.
QUESTION 4
Which of the following is a statement with witch Skinner and his followers would agree?
1) Most behavior is controlled by unconscious forces.
2) The goal of behavior is self-actualisation.
3) Nature is less influential than nurture.
4) Free will is not an illusion because cognitive variables determine behavior.
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: CP pp. 11-12 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: The behaviourists placed themselves clearly on the nurture side of the nature-nurture
continuum and argued that learning and reinforcement rather than biology accounts for the
acquisition of all human behavior. This is because behaviourists such as Watson and Skinner
proceeded from the assumption that behavior can be shaped by providing suitable positive
reinforcement to strengthen desirable behavior and negative reinforcement to extinguish
undesirable behaviour. They therefore maintained that the environment plays an essential role in
the learning of all kinds of behavior, even language and cognition.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the theory of behaviourism is based on the assumption that
all behavior is fixed by patterns of conditioning, it implies that there is no free will, people
are shaped by their environment and by conditioning.
, 4 PYC3703 – Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving
• Option 1 is incorrect because the behaviourists focused only on overt behavior in their
theories, and did not take unconscious, mental processes into account.
Skinner is an example of an empiricist because he tried to base his theory of behaviour on hard
empirical evidence, much of which was derived from animal research.
QUESTION 5
The primary contribution that Hermann Ebbinghaus made in his memory research to contemporary
cognitive psychology was his ___.
1) objections to the excessive emphasis placed on ecological validity in memory studies
2) use of research employing large samples of subjects
3) emphasis on a systematic, well-controlled approach to the study of memory
4) development of a theory of top-down memory processing
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: CP pg. 10 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Ebbinghaus is mainly known for conducting systematic research on his own memory
processes.
• Option 2 is incorrect because Ebbinghaus’s memory research was based on a single
subject design in which he used himself as the only subject.
• Option 1 is incorrect since he did not object to ecological validity, and did not use a strict
laboratory and controlled environment typical of experimental approaches but
experimented on himself.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Ebbinghaus followed a data-oriented bottom-up approach
and did not focus on the effect that top-down factors such as background knowledge and
context have on memory recall.
QUESTION 6
The philosopher Descartes, is known for having been a ___.
1) functionalist who tried to determine how the different functional components of the mind
fit together
2) behaviourist because he formulated the law of effect
3) pragmatist who presented many practical solutions to everyday philosophical issues
4) rationalist because he tried to prove the difference between body and mind by rational
analysis
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: PYC3793 Study Guide pp, 16-17 – Chapter 1
Reasoning: Descartes is mainly known for his use of reasoning to explore the difference between
mind and the body, and to prove that the “I” (of the mind) exists as an independent being. He did
not conduct any empirical research on the mind, but relied on rational analysis in support of his
dualist position that the mind exists separately from the body.
QUESTION 7
The concept ecological validity refers to the degree to which ---
1) the findings based on a study conducted outside a psychological laboratory will also apply in
the laboratory
2) the findings based on a study conducted in a laboratory will apply outside the lab as well
3) predictions can be made of how participants in a study will react when placed in different
situations
4) the effect of situational changes on the behaviour of organisms in a particular environment
can be determined
Answer: The correct option is (2)
Refer: CP pp. 32-33 – Chapter 1
