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Question 1. Which of the following best defines cognition? A) The process of physical movement B) Mental activities such as thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating C) The ability to speak multiple languages D) The capacity for emotional expression Answer: B Explanation: Cognition encompasses all mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge, reasoning, and communicating, not physical or emotional functions alone. Question 2. A mental representation that groups objects, events, or people into a category is called a: A) Prototype B) Exemplar C) Concept D) Schema Answer: C Explanation: Concepts are mental categories that allow us to classify and organize information about the world. Question 3. The best example of a prototype for the category “bird” is: A) Penguin B) Ostrich C) Robin
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D) Eagle Answer: C Explanation: A robin exemplifies the most typical features of a bird (flies, sings, small), making it a prototypical example. Question 4. An exemplar differs from a prototype because an exemplar is: A) A perfect example of a category B) A specific, concrete instance used for comparison C) An abstract definition of a concept D) A mental shortcut Answer: B Explanation: Exemplars are particular instances of a concept that we store and use to judge new items. Question 5. Convergent thinking is characterized by: A) Generating many possible solutions B) Seeking a single correct answer C) Ignoring constraints D) Relying on intuition Answer: B Explanation: Convergent thinking narrows down options to arrive at one best solution.
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D) Require extensive computation Answer: B Explanation: Heuristics are efficient rules of thumb that speed up decision‑making, though they can sometimes produce errors. Question 9. Which of the following illustrates the trial‑and‑error method? A) Using a formula to calculate interest B) Trying different keys until one opens a lock C) Applying a known algorithm to solve a puzzle D) Recognizing a pattern instantly Answer: B Explanation: Trial‑and‑error involves testing multiple possibilities until a successful one is found. Question 10. The “Aha!” moment in problem solving is called: A) Functional fixedness B) Insight C) Confirmation bias D) Mental set Answer: B Explanation: Insight is the sudden realization of a solution without conscious step‑by‑step reasoning.
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Question 11. Confirmation bias leads people to: A) Seek out information that contradicts their beliefs B) Evaluate all evidence equally C) Prefer information that supports preexisting views D) Remain neutral in decision making Answer: C Explanation: Confirmation bias causes selective searching for evidence that confirms existing opinions. Question 12. A mental set is most likely to cause: A) Creative breakthroughs B) Persistence in using a familiar solution despite better alternatives C) Accurate statistical judgments D) Enhanced memory recall Answer: B Explanation: Mental set fixes a person on a particular approach that worked before, even when a better method exists. Question 13. Functional fixedness refers to: A) The inability to see alternative uses for a familiar object B) The tendency to overestimate the likelihood of vivid events C) The habit of applying the same algorithm repeatedly D) The preference for familiar problem‑solving strategies
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Question 16. According to Gardner, which intelligence involves sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, and timbre? A) Spatial intelligence B) Musical intelligence C) Bodily‑kinesthetic intelligence D) Interpersonal intelligence Answer: B Explanation: Gardner’s musical intelligence pertains to the capacity to perceive, discriminate, and create musical patterns. Question 17. Sternberg’s analytical intelligence is most closely associated with: A) Creative invention B) Street‑wise problem solving C) Academic, “book smarts” abilities D) Understanding emotions Answer: C Explanation: Analytical intelligence reflects conventional academic problem‑solving and logical reasoning. Question 18. Practical intelligence, in Sternberg’s triarchic model, is best described as: A) The ability to solve abstract puzzles B) Knowledge of musical composition C) “Street smarts” – applying knowledge to real‑world contexts
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D) Mastery of language syntax Answer: C Explanation: Practical intelligence involves adapting to, shaping, and selecting environments effectively. Question 19. Emotional intelligence (EQ) includes which of the following abilities? A) Solving algebraic equations quickly B) Recognizing, understanding, and managing one’s own emotions and those of others C) Remembering historical facts accurately D) Visualizing spatial relationships Answer: B Explanation: EQ focuses on emotional perception, regulation, and utilization in interpersonal contexts. Question 20. The original formula for IQ (Intelligence Quotient) was: A) (Chronological age ÷ Mental age) × 100 B) (Mental age ÷ Chronological age) × 100 C) (Number of correct items ÷ Total items) × 100 D) (Standard deviation × Mean) Answer: B Explanation: Early IQ scores were calculated by dividing mental age by chronological age and multiplying by 100.
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Question 24. A phoneme is: A) The smallest unit of meaning in a language B) The smallest unit of sound that can distinguish meaning C) A grammatical rule governing sentence structure D) A morpheme that modifies meaning Answer: B Explanation: Phonemes are the basic sound units that differentiate words (e.g., /b/ vs /p/). Question 25. The morpheme “un‑” in “unhappy” functions as a: A) Phoneme B) Derivational morpheme that reverses meaning C) Syntactic marker D) Inflectional morpheme indicating tense Answer: B Explanation: “Un‑” is a derivational morpheme that changes the meaning of the base word to its opposite. Question 26. Syntax primarily deals with: A) The meaning of words B) The order and arrangement of words in sentences C) The sounds of a language D) The emotional tone of speech
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Answer: B Explanation: Syntax governs the grammatical rules that dictate how words combine to form sentences. Question 27. In language acquisition, the “two‑word stage” is also known as: A) Babbling stage B) Telegraphic speech C) Full‑sentence stage D) One‑word stage Answer: B Explanation: The two‑word stage (around 18‑24 months) features telegraphic speech, where children combine two words to convey meaning. Question 28. Skinner’s view of language development emphasizes: A innate grammatical modules B biological readiness C reinforcement and conditioning D the Language Acquisition Device Answer: C Explanation: Skinner argued that language learning occurs through operant conditioning and reinforcement.
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D) 18 months Answer: C Explanation: Object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist when out of view, typically emerges around the end of the sensorimotor stage (~12 months). Question 32. During the preoperational stage, children are most likely to exhibit: A) Logical reasoning about abstract concepts B) Egocentrism and difficulty seeing others’ perspectives C) Ability to perform conservation tasks D) Formal operational thought Answer: B Explanation: Preoperational children (2‑7 years) show egocentric thinking and struggle with perspective‑taking. Question 33. Conservation of number is typically mastered in which Piagetian stage? A) Sensorimotor B) Preoperational C) Concrete operational D) Formal operational Answer: C Explanation: Concrete operational children (7‑11 years) can understand that quantity remains the same despite changes in arrangement.
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Question 34. Formal operational thought is characterized by the ability to: A) Perform mental operations on concrete objects only B) Think abstractly and hypothetically C) Use language without errors D) Remember large amounts of factual information Answer: B Explanation: Formal operational adolescents can reason about abstract, hypothetical situations and engage in systematic problem solving. Question 35. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to: A) The range of tasks a child can perform unaided B) The difference between what a learner can do independently and with assistance C) The period when language acquisition ceases D) The age at which formal operations emerge Answer: B Explanation: ZPD is the gap between independent performance and performance achievable with guidance. Question 36. According to Vygotsky, scaffolding is: A) A method of trial‑and‑error learning B) Temporary support that enables a learner to accomplish a task within the ZPD
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Explanation: Fluid intelligence reflects the capacity to think quickly, solve novel problems, and reason abstractly. Question 39. Which of the following is an example of an algorithmic problem‑solving strategy? A) Using the “rule of thumb” that larger numbers are more likely to be prime B) Applying the quadratic formula to solve ax² + bx + c = 0 C) Guessing the password until it works D) Suddenly realizing the solution after stepping away from the problem Answer: B Explanation: The quadratic formula is a step‑by‑step algorithm guaranteeing the correct solution for quadratic equations. Question 40. Functional fixedness can be overcome by: A) Relying exclusively on past experience B) Using insight or restructuring the problem C) Ignoring alternative uses for objects D) Applying the availability heuristic Answer: B Explanation: Overcoming functional fixedness often requires insight or reframing the problem to see new uses for objects. Question 41. Confirmation bias most likely affects which research activity? A) Random sampling
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B) Blind data analysis C) Selective citation of supporting studies D) Double‑blind experimental design Answer: C Explanation: Researchers may preferentially cite studies that confirm their hypothesis, illustrating confirmation bias. Question 42. The “availability heuristic” can lead to overestimation of: A) Rare events that are vividly remembered B) The probability of common, mundane events C) Statistical averages derived from large samples D) The accuracy of personal memories Answer: A Explanation: Vivid, easily recalled events (e.g., plane crashes) seem more probable than they truly are due to the availability heuristic. Question 43. In Gardner’s theory, the intelligence most related to recognizing facial expressions and empathizing with others is: A) Interpersonal intelligence B) Intrapersonal intelligence C) Naturalist intelligence D) Logical‑mathematical intelligence
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A) Comparing an individual’s score to a predetermined cutoff B) Scoring based on the number of correct answers only C) Interpreting a score relative to a representative sample’s performance D) Using only qualitative judgments Answer: C Explanation: Norm‑referenced scores indicate where an individual falls compared to a normative group. Question 47. A highly reliable intelligence test is one that: A) Accurately predicts academic success B) Produces consistent scores across administrations C) Measures multiple intelligences equally D) Is free from cultural bias Answer: B Explanation: Reliability concerns the stability and repeatability of test scores over time. Question 48. Which of the following best exemplifies a phonological awareness skill? A) Identifying the meaning of a word in context B) Recognizing that “cat” and “bat” differ by a single phoneme C) Understanding the grammatical function of “the” D) Using gestures to convey meaning
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Answer: B Explanation: Phonological awareness involves detecting and manipulating sound units such as phonemes. Question 49. Morphemes that change the tense of a verb (e.g., “‑ed” in “walked”) are called: A) Derivational morphemes B) Inflectional morphemes C) Root morphemes D) Composite morphemes Answer: B Explanation: Inflectional morphemes modify grammatical aspects like tense without altering core meaning. Question 50. The “critical period” hypothesis in language development suggests that: A) Language can be learned equally well at any age B) There is an optimal window early in life for acquiring native‑like proficiency C) Adults acquire grammar faster than children D) Language acquisition is solely dependent on reinforcement Answer: B Explanation: The critical period posits a biologically determined timeframe during which language learning is most efficient. Question 51. The stage in which infants begin to produce single words like “mama” is known as:
