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Quizzes > Science

AP Psychology Cognition Practice Test (Unit 7)

Quick, free Unit 7 cognition quiz to check your understanding. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Martini FrazierUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for AP Psych Unit 7 practice test on golden yellow background

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.

What is cognition in psychology?
Physical reflexes.
Emotional responses.
Bodily sensations.
Mental processes such as thinking and problem-solving.
Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, and storing knowledge, such as thinking and problem-solving. It does not include purely physical or emotional responses. Cognitive psychology studies how people perceive, remember, and solve problems. For more detail, see .
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a prototype in categorization?
Recalling a random example of a bird.
Grouping birds by size.
Thinking of a robin as an ideal example of the category 'bird'.
Listing all birds in alphabetical order.
A prototype is the most typical or best example of a category. A robin is often seen as the prototypical bird, whereas ostriches or penguins are less typical. Prototypes help us make quick categorization decisions. More on prototypes can be found at .
What is the primary difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?
An algorithm guarantees a solution through a systematic procedure, while a heuristic is a mental shortcut that may lead to errors.
An algorithm is faster than a heuristic.
Heuristics are step-by-step procedures, whereas algorithms rely on intuition.
A heuristic always produces a correct solution.
An algorithm is a methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem, while a heuristic is a simpler strategy or mental shortcut that allows for quick judgments but doesn't guarantee a correct solution. Heuristics reduce the cognitive load at the cost of occasional errors. For examples, see .
Functional fixedness refers to which of the following?
Overestimating one's problem-solving skills.
Relying only on past successful solutions.
Automatically memorizing object functions.
Difficulty in seeing new uses for familiar objects.
Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that restricts a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, hindering problem-solving. This concept was demonstrated by Karl Duncker's candle problem. Overcoming this bias often involves creative thinking. More information is available at .
What does mental set mean?
A mental block preventing problem solving.
A sudden realization of a problem's solution.
A tendency to approach problems using strategies that worked in the past.
An emotional bias when making decisions.
A mental set is the tendency to approach problems in a way that has worked previously, which can sometimes impede finding new solutions. It reflects rigid thinking patterns and can lead to fixation. Breaking a mental set often requires shifting perspectives. Learn more at .
Which heuristic involves estimating the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind?
Confirmation heuristic.
Anchoring heuristic.
Representativeness heuristic.
Availability heuristic.
The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a specific topic, concept, or decision. If something can be recalled quickly, we assume it's more common or likely. This can lead to biased judgments. Further reading at .
Which process involves grouping items based on common features?
Framing.
Categorization.
Insight.
Fixation.
Categorization is the cognitive process of grouping objects, ideas, or people based on shared properties or features, which helps simplify complex information. It underlies concepts and prototypes in our thinking. Proper categorization allows efficient retrieval of information. See .
Which of the following is an example of a cognitive process?
Solving a puzzle.
Blinking.
Sweating.
Laughing.
Cognitive processes include mental activities like problem-solving, memory, and thinking. Solving a puzzle requires active use of cognition. Blinking, laughing, and sweating are largely physiological or reflexive responses. For more, visit .
Which scenario best exemplifies the representativeness heuristic?
Assuming someone who loves poetry is more likely to be a literature professor than a truck driver.
Estimating probability based on memorized statistics.
Making decisions by trial and error.
Following a strict algorithm for problem solving.
The representativeness heuristic involves judging the likelihood of things based on how well they match our prototype of a category. In this case, loving poetry matches the stereotype of a literature professor rather than a truck driver. It can lead to ignoring actual probabilities. See .
Confirmation bias refers to which tendency?
Seeking information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Changing beliefs when presented with new data.
Ignoring one's own beliefs when evaluating evidence.
Relying on expert opinion over personal experience.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information or interpretations that confirm our preexisting beliefs, while disregarding or minimizing opposing data. This bias can distort decision-making and scientific reasoning. Strategies like considering alternative hypotheses can reduce it. More at .
Overconfidence bias leads people to:
Underestimate their abilities.
Overestimate the accuracy of their judgments or knowledge.
Avoid making decisions altogether.
Rely solely on statistical data.
Overconfidence bias is when individuals' subjective confidence in their judgments is greater than the objective accuracy of those judgments. This often leads to errors in decision-making. Calibration exercises and feedback can help mitigate overconfidence. See .
Belief perseverance describes the tendency to:
Change beliefs when new evidence appears.
Maintain beliefs even after the evidence supporting them has been discredited.
Give up on beliefs quickly.
Seek out disconfirming evidence.
Belief perseverance is the refusal to change one's beliefs despite clear evidence to the contrary. This bias highlights how strongly held beliefs can persist even when proven incorrect. Reflective thinking and awareness of biases can help counteract this tendency. More at .
The framing effect demonstrates that people's decisions can be influenced by:
Their emotional intelligence level.
Their intelligence quotient (IQ).
Only statistical data.
The way information is presented, such as gains or losses.
The framing effect occurs when people react differently to the same information depending on whether it is presented as a gain or a loss. For example, a surgery described with a 90% survival rate sounds better than one described with a 10% mortality rate. This shows how presentation can bias decision-making. See .
Which type of thinking is associated with generating multiple possible solutions to a problem?
Critical thinking.
Convergent thinking.
Linear thinking.
Divergent thinking.
Divergent thinking is a type of creativity characterized by the ability to generate many different ideas or solutions. It contrasts with convergent thinking, which narrows down multiple possibilities to find a single correct answer. Divergent thinking is measured in creativity assessments like the Torrance Test. More at .
Which psychologist is known for early studies of insight learning using chimpanzees?
Jean Piaget.
Wolfgang Köhler.
B.F. Skinner.
Ivan Pavlov.
Wolfgang Köhler conducted classic experiments on insight learning with chimpanzees on the island of Tenerife. His work demonstrated that problem-solving can occur with sudden realization (an 'aha!' moment) rather than only trial-and-error. Köhler's findings challenged strict behaviorist views. Read more at .
Hindsight bias leads individuals to believe that after an event has occurred, they:
Ignored all prior information.
Knew the outcome all along.
Could not have predicted the outcome.
Had forgotten the evidence before.
Hindsight bias is the 'I-knew-it-all-along' phenomenon, where people overestimate their ability to have predicted an outcome after the fact. It can distort memory of one's uncertainty and affect learning from experience. Awareness of this bias can improve judgment accuracy. More information at .
According to Spearman's theory, the 'g' factor refers to:
A measure of emotional intelligence.
Specific skills in one domain.
A test of creative thinking.
General intelligence underlying all mental abilities.
Spearman proposed the 'g' factor as a single, general intelligence that underlies all cognitive abilities. He observed that people's scores across different mental tasks tended to correlate. This led to the idea of a common core of mental ability. For more, see .
Which psychologist proposed seven primary mental abilities instead of a single general intelligence?
Robert Sternberg.
Howard Gardner.
Charles Spearman.
Louis Thurstone.
Louis Thurstone identified seven distinct primary mental abilities, including verbal comprehension and numerical ability, arguing against a single 'g' factor. He used factor analysis to support his model. Thurstone's work broadened the understanding of intelligence. See .
Howard Gardner suggested which of the following as one of his multiple intelligences?
Emotional intelligence.
Dialectical intelligence.
Musical intelligence.
Speed intelligence.
Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences includes musical intelligence - the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, and tone. Other types include linguistic, logical-mathematical, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences. His theory expanded the view of intelligence beyond academic skills. Learn more at .
Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence includes analytical, creative, and which other type?
Social intelligence.
Practical intelligence.
Spatial intelligence.
Emotional intelligence.
Sternberg's triarchic theory proposes three facets of intelligence: analytical (problem-solving), creative (novel solutions), and practical (everyday tasks). Practical intelligence is often described as 'street smarts.' This model emphasizes situational factors in intelligence. Read more at .
Which method assesses a test's reliability by administering the same test twice over time?
Split-half reliability.
Test-retest reliability.
Parallel-forms reliability.
Inter-rater reliability.
Test-retest reliability measures consistency by giving the same test to the same group on two occasions and correlating the scores. A high correlation indicates stability over time. This method ensures that results are not due to random factors. For more, see .
A test's content validity refers to:
How predictive the test is of future performance.
How well the test measures the behavior or construct of interest.
The consistency of test results over time.
The range of scores obtained by test-takers.
Content validity assesses whether test items adequately sample the domain of the construct being measured, such as testing all relevant aspects of math skills on a math test. It ensures the test covers what it should. Unlike predictive validity, it focuses on the test content itself. Learn more at .
Standardization in psychological testing involves:
Using multiple raters to score subjective items.
Administering and scoring tests under uniform conditions and establishing norms.
Changing test items for each group.
Adjusting scores to fit a normal distribution.
Standardization ensures that test administration, scoring, and interpretation are consistent across different examiners and groups. It also involves developing norms based on a representative sample. This process allows meaningful comparisons of scores. For more, see .
The Flynn effect refers to:
Declines in intelligence due to technology use.
The observed rise in average IQ scores over decades.
A sudden drop in IQ scores after schooling ends.
Genetic improvements in intelligence over generations.
The Flynn effect describes the substantial and long-term increase in IQ scores observed in many parts of the world over the 20th century. This rise is attributed to improved nutrition, education, and environmental complexity. It raises questions about the nature of intelligence. See .
Culture-fair tests aim to:
Minimize cultural bias by using nonverbal and culturally neutral items.
Maximize cultural references familiar to all groups.
Measure only linguistic intelligence.
Focus solely on academic achievement.
Culture-fair tests are designed with items that reduce reliance on language and cultural knowledge, aiming to assess intelligence independent of cultural background. They often use abstract reasoning tasks. However, completely eliminating bias is challenging. Learn more at .
Emotional intelligence, as defined by Salovey and Mayer, includes the ability to:
Remember long sequences of digits.
Perceive, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others.
Speak multiple languages fluently.
Solve mathematical problems quickly.
Salovey and Mayer's model of emotional intelligence involves abilities to accurately perceive emotions, use them to facilitate thinking, understand emotional meanings, and manage emotions effectively. It's distinct from traditional cognitive intelligence. High EI predicts better social relationships and mental health. See .
Which assessment specifically measures creative thinking through tasks like imaginative drawing and story completion?
Raven's Progressive Matrices.
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.
The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) evaluate creative potential through tasks such as drawing pictures from incomplete shapes and completing stories. They measure fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. TTCT is widely used in research on creativity. Details at .
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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.

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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