Question

1. the effect of prior experience and current expectations on perception best illustrates the importance of

a) sensation.
b) accommodation.
c) top - down processing.
d) transduction.
e) sensory thresholds.

1. the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information is called

a) the serial position effect.
b) the spacing effect.
c) retroactive interference.
d) proactive interference.
e) state - dependent memory.

Explanation:

Question 44

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• A) Sensation: Involves detecting stimuli, not prior experience/expectations. Eliminate.
• B) Accommodation: Related to eye focus adjustment, not perception processing. Eliminate.
• C) Top - down processing: Uses prior knowledge/expectations to interpret sensory info. Matches the effect of prior experience/expectations on perception.
• D) Transduction: Conversion of stimuli to neural signals, not about expectations. Eliminate.
• E) Sensory thresholds: Minimum stimulus intensity, not about experience/expectations. Eliminate.

Analyze each option:

• A) Serial position effect: Recall differs by item position in a list, not prior learning disrupting new recall. Eliminate.
• B) Spacing effect: Better recall with spaced study, not about interference. Eliminate.
• C) Retroactive interference: New learning disrupts old recall (opposite of the question). Eliminate.
• D) Proactive interference: Prior learning disrupts new recall. Matches the question’s description.
• E) State - dependent memory: Recall depends on emotional/physical state, not prior learning interference. Eliminate.

Answer:

C) top - down processing.

Question 45