SACE Psychology Stage 2: Cognition & Memory — Flashcards & Quiz

Q1: Describe Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multi-store model of memory.

The multi-store model (1968) proposes three distinct memory stores: sensory memory (brief, high-capacity storage of raw sensory input), short-term memory (limited capacity of 7±2 items, duration ~30 seconds) and long-term memory (unlimited capacity, potentially permanent storage). Information flows linearly through these stores via attention and rehearsal.

Q2: Explain Baddeley and Hitch’s working memory model.

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) proposed that short-term memory is an active workspace with multiple components: the central executive (attentional control), phonological loop (verbal/acoustic information), visuospatial sketchpad (visual/spatial information) and episodic buffer (integrates information from subsystems and long-term memory). This model replaced the passive short-term store of the multi-store model.

Q3: What is Craik and Lockhart’s levels of processing theory?

Craik and Lockhart (1972) proposed that memory depends on the depth of processing during encoding. Shallow processing (structural — physical appearance, or phonemic — sound) leads to weaker memory traces. Deep processing (semantic — meaning) leads to stronger, more durable memories. Depth of processing, not rehearsal alone, determines retention.

Q4: What is selective attention and how did Broadbent explain it?

Selective attention is the ability to focus on relevant information while filtering out irrelevant stimuli. Broadbent’s filter model (1958) proposed that information is filtered early based on physical characteristics (e.g. pitch, location) before semantic processing. Only attended information passes through the filter for further processing.

Q5: How does Treisman’s attenuation model differ from Broadbent’s filter model?

Treisman (1964) proposed that unattended information is attenuated (weakened) rather than completely blocked. Important stimuli (e.g. your own name) have lower activation thresholds and can break through the attenuated channel. This explains the cocktail party effect — hearing your name in a noisy room — which Broadbent’s model cannot account for.

Q6: What is confirmation bias and how does it affect decision-making?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret and recall information that confirms pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. It affects decision-making by creating a distorted view of reality, reinforcing stereotypes and reducing the quality of judgements.

Q7: Explain the anchoring bias and its effect on judgement.

The anchoring bias occurs when people rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when making subsequent judgements. Even arbitrary or irrelevant anchors can significantly skew estimates and decisions. Tversky and Kahneman (1974) identified anchoring as one of the key heuristics in human judgement.

Q8: What is the encoding specificity principle?

Tulving’s encoding specificity principle (1973) states that memory retrieval is most effective when the cues present at retrieval match those present at encoding. Context-dependent memory (external environment) and state-dependent memory (internal physiological or emotional state) are both examples of this principle.

Q1: The multi-store model proposes that short-term memory has an unlimited capacity.

Answer: FALSE

The multi-store model proposes that short-term memory has a limited capacity of approximately 7±2 items (Miller, 1956). Long-term memory is the store considered to have unlimited capacity.

Q2: The phonological loop in Baddeley’s working memory model processes visual and spatial information.

Answer: FALSE

The phonological loop processes verbal and acoustic information. Visual and spatial information is handled by the visuospatial sketchpad. These are distinct subsystems within the working memory model.

Q3: According to Craik and Lockhart, semantic processing (processing for meaning) produces stronger memory traces than structural processing.

Answer: TRUE

Craik and Lockhart’s levels of processing theory states that deeper processing (semantic, for meaning) creates more durable and retrievable memory traces than shallow processing (structural, for physical features or phonemic, for sound).

Q4: Broadbent’s filter model proposes that all incoming information is fully processed before being selected for attention.

Answer: FALSE

Broadbent’s filter model is an early-selection model that proposes information is filtered based on physical characteristics before semantic processing. Only attended information passes through for full processing.

Q5: Treisman’s attenuation model can explain the cocktail party effect, while Broadbent’s model cannot.

Answer: TRUE

Treisman proposed that unattended information is attenuated rather than blocked, allowing important stimuli (like your name) to break through. This explains the cocktail party effect, which Broadbent’s complete filter cannot account for.

Memory Models

The multi-store model (Atkinson & Shiffrin) and working memory model (Baddeley & Hitch) are the two primary frameworks for understanding memory. SACE assessments require you to describe, compare and evaluate both models, citing supporting evidence such as case studies and experimental research.

Attention and Perception

Selective attention models (Broadbent’s filter, Treisman’s attenuation) explain how the brain processes information from the environment. Understanding the differences between early-selection and late-selection models, and the evidence for each, is essential for SACE extended responses.

Cognitive Biases and Heuristics

Confirmation bias, anchoring and other cognitive biases demonstrate systematic errors in human thinking. Tversky and Kahneman’s research on heuristics is foundational knowledge that SACE examiners expect you to apply to real-world decision-making scenarios.

Encoding, Retrieval and Forgetting

Tulving’s encoding specificity principle, interference theory and trace decay theory explain why we remember and forget. Being able to compare these theories and evaluate supporting evidence (Godden & Baddeley, Jenkins & Dallenbach) is a frequently assessed skill in SACE exams.

What does SACE Psychology Stage 2 cover on cognition?

The cognition topic covers memory models (multi-store model, working memory model), levels of processing, selective attention (Broadbent, Treisman), cognitive biases (confirmation bias, anchoring), encoding and retrieval processes, and theories of forgetting (decay, interference).

Are these flashcards aligned to the SACE Board curriculum?

Yes — every flashcard and quiz question is mapped to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) Board Psychology Stage 2 curriculum for the cognition topic.

How should I study memory models for SACE exams?

Create diagrams of each memory model (Atkinson-Shiffrin, Baddeley & Hitch) and practise labelling components. Use spaced repetition flashcards to memorise key researchers and studies, then test yourself with the quiz questions to reinforce retrieval practice.