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AP Psychology Cognition Practice Test (Unit 7)

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Use this AP Psychology Unit 7 cognition quiz to check your understanding of memory, thinking, language, problem solving, and intelligence. Get instant feedback, then strengthen weak spots with a cognitive psychology quiz and broaden practice with AP Psychology practice quizzes. For another challenge, try a cognitive psychology exam.

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1What is cognition in psychology?
2Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a prototype in categorization?
3What is the primary difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?
4Fun<wbr>ctional fixedness refers to which of the following?
5What does mental set mean?
6Which heuristic involves estimating the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind?
7Which process involves grouping items based on common features?
8Which of the following is an example of a cognitive process?
9Which scenario best exemplifies the representativeness heuristic?
10Confirmation bias refers to which tendency?
11Overconfidence bias leads people to:
12Belief perseverance describes the tendency to:
13The framing effect demonstrates that people's decisions can be influenced by:
14Which type of thinking is associated with generating multiple possible solutions to a problem?
15Which psychologist is known for early studies of insight learning using chimpanzees?
16Hindsight bias leads individuals to believe that after an event has occurred, they:
17According to Spearman's theory, the 'g' factor refers to:
18Which psychologist proposed seven primary mental abilities instead of a single general intelligence?
19Howard Gardner suggested which of the following as one of his multiple intelligences?
20Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence includes analytical, creative, and which other type?
21Which method assesses a test's reliability by administering the same test twice over time?
22A test's content validity refers to:
23Standardization in psychological testing involves:
24The Flynn effect refers to:
25Culture-fair tests aim to:
26Emotional intelligence, as defined by Salovey and Mayer, includes the ability to:
27Which assessment specifically measures creative thinking through tasks like imaginative drawing and story completion?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Cognition Concepts -

    Define and differentiate fundamental terms such as mental set and divergent thinking, enhancing your grasp of the cognition AP Psych definition.

  2. Apply Mental Set Principles -

    Identify real-world examples of mental set in problem-solving scenarios to recognize how past approaches influence current cognition processes.

  3. Analyze Divergent and Convergent Thinking -

    Compare and contrast these thinking styles to determine their roles in creativity and problem solving within AP Psychology Unit 7 contexts.

  4. Evaluate Intelligence Tests and Scoring -

    Describe major intelligence tests, their structure, and scoring methods to solidify your understanding of intelligence tests AP Psychology definition.

  5. Prepare for the Unit 7 Practice Test -

    Apply your knowledge through targeted questions to boost confidence and readiness for the AP Psych Unit 7 practice test.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mental Set & Functional Fixedness -

    Mental set occurs when we approach problems with a fixed mindset based on prior solutions, often leading to oversight of novel strategies. Functional fixedness, a subtype, blinds us to common objects' alternative uses - think of the classic candle”matchbox problem. When practicing for the ap psych unit 7 practice test, challenge yourself to spot fresh angles by asking "What else can this tool do?"

  2. Algorithms vs Heuristics -

    Algorithms are methodical, step-by-step procedures guaranteed to yield a correct solution but can be time”consuming. Heuristics are mental shortcuts that speed problem-solving yet risk biases like availability and representativeness. Remember the handy mnemonic "AH (Algorithm Hard, Heuristic Handy)" to distinguish these when tackling cognition ap psych definition items.

  3. Divergent vs Convergent Thinking -

    Divergent thinking, measured by tests like the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, generates multiple possible solutions and fuels creativity, while convergent thinking narrows ideas down to find the single best answer. This distinction is crucial when you see "creative problem-solving" questions on your ap psychology unit 7 practice test. Try the "Different Directions vs Come to Center" mnemonic to lock in the difference.

  4. Intelligence Testing Basics -

    Intelligence tests like the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler scales must meet key criteria of reliability, validity, and standardization to ensure accurate scoring. IQ is often calculated as (Mental Age/Chronological Age)×100, a formula established by Lewis Terman's revision of Binet's test. Brush up on test norms and scatterplots to confidently tackle intelligence tests ap psychology definition questions.

  5. Theories of Intelligence -

    Spearman's concept of g (general intelligence) explains positive correlations across diverse cognitive tasks, while Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences outlines eight distinct domains such as linguistic and spatial. Sternberg adds a triarchic model (analytical, creative, and practical) to account for real-world problem”solving. Use the "GMS" mnemonic (General, Multiple, Sternberg) to quickly recall these major intelligence theories on the ap psych unit 7 practice test.

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Updated Feb 19, 2026