GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Thinking
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Thinking
Which of the following mental processes are promoted by intrinsic motivation, persistence, and expertise?
Convergent thinking
Functional fixedness
Crystallized intelligence
Creativity
Creativity
Creativity is another word for divergent thinking, a type of problem solving ability wherein a person’s brain searches various areas as it seeks the solution to a particular problem. Certain traits—including intrinsic motivation, persistence, expertise, nonconformity, and curiosity—can help promote creative thinking.
Example Question #2 : Thinking
Which of the following terms is used to describe the increase in IQ scores over the past century?
Zeigarnik effect
Hawthorne effect
Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory
Flynn effect
Flynn effect
The "Flynn effect" describes the increase in IQ scores that has been observed over the past century. On the other hand, the "Zeigarnik effect" is the tendency to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. The "Hawthorne effect" is the change in people's behaviors while they are being observed, and can occur in research subjects. Last, the "Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory" or CHC theory is the most supported intelligence theory, and states that intelligence includes three strata: general ability or "g," broad abilities, and several narrow abilities.
Example Question #3 : Experimental
Which of the following situations is an example of using fluid (Gf) intelligence abilities?
Bob solves a math equation using familiar formulas.
Bob remembers how to ride a bike even after not riding one for several years.
Bob is given a math problem using concepts he has never tackled before but is able to arrive at the correct answer.
Bob can recite all of the former presidents of the United States from memory.
Bob is given a math problem using concepts he has never tackled before but is able to arrive at the correct answer.
Fluid intelligence involves the ability to reason and solve novel problems. The example of Bob solving an unfamiliar math problem is the only example that involves a novel situation. Bob being able to recite the former presidents and solve a math problem using familiar formulas are examples of crystallized intelligence (Gc), which refers to stored knowledge. Bob remembering how to ride a bike does not fit into Gc and Gf theory, but rather is an example of procedural/implicit memory.
Example Question #4 : Experimental
Who is often considered the father of the multiple intelligences theory?
Sigmund Freud
Howard Gardner
Mary Ainsworth
Stuart Richie
Jakob Pietschnig
Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner is the father of the theory of Multiple Intelligences, which divides intellectual intelligence into seven different modalities (music, logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, visual/spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic).
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All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
