Unit 2: Cognition
Understanding Mind Processes | AP® Psychology
Master perception, thought, memory, and intelligence with bold examples, visual strategies, and all key cognitive formulas laid out for fast AP® exam review!
📚 Unit Overview
Unit 2: Cognition explores how we process, store, and use information. From perception through problem solving and memory to intelligence, these concepts form the core of psychological science and real-world thinking.
You’ll dive into eight vital topics—perception, problem-solving, all stages of memory, and intelligence. Every lesson comes with formulas, diagrams, and test tactics for AP® Psychology mastery.
🎯 Key Concepts You'll Master
- Perception: The process of organizing/interpreting sensory input. Analyze top-down/bottom-up processing, selective attention, signal detection (\( P = \frac{S}{N} \)).
- Thinking & Problem-Solving: Define heuristics, algorithms, biases, insight moments.
- Memory Models: Distinguish encoding/storage/retrieval, three-box model, Atkinson-Shiffrin model diagrams.
- Encoding: Visual/acoustic/semantic encoding. Mnemonics and chunking. (\( C = \frac{I}{n} \)), information per chunk.
- Storage: Sensory, short-term (\( 7 \pm 2 \)), long-term memory. Capacity, duration, and limits.
- Retrieval: Recall, recognition, relearning. Practice effects. Forgetting curves.
- Forgetting: Analyze causes: decay, interference (\( RI, PI \)), encoding failure. Ebbinghaus forgetting curve (\( R = e^{-t/S} \)).
- Intelligence & Achievement: Theories and tests (Spearman’s \( g \), Gardner’s multiple intelligences, IQ = \( \frac{\text{MA}}{\text{CA}} \times 100 \)).
🎓 Learning Objectives
By the end of Unit 2, you will be able to:
- Describe how we interpret sensory data to form perceptions
- Analyze problem-solving processes and types of thinking errors
- Diagram the stages of memory and their capacities
- Model encoding, storage, and retrieval using key formulas
- Explain why and how we forget information
- Compare major theories of intelligence and achievement
- Apply concepts to AP® MCQ and FRQ scenarios
📖 Complete Topic Guide (8 Lessons)
Click any topic below to access comprehensive explanations, formulas, worked examples, memory diagrams, and AP® exam tricks.
Perception
Explore how the mind interprets input. Study selective attention, Gestalt principles, and signal detection formulas (\( P = \frac{S}{N} \)).
Explore Topic 2.1 →Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgments, and Decision-Making
Master heuristics, algorithms, insight, and decision-making errors. Analyze biases and how we solve novel problems.
Explore Topic 2.2 →Introduction to Memory
Get an overview of memory models, stages (sensory, short-term, long-term), and classic diagram structures.
Explore Topic 2.3 →Encoding Memories
Discover encoding strategies (acoustic, visual, semantic), mnemonics, and chunking (\( C = \frac{I}{n} \)).
Explore Topic 2.4 →Storing Memories
Diagram sensory, short-term (\( 7 \pm 2 \)), and long-term memory. Evaluate capacity, duration, and organization strategies.
Explore Topic 2.5 →Retrieving Memories
Compare recall/recognition/relearning strategies, priming, and retrieval cues. Use forgetting curves in application.
Explore Topic 2.6 →Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges
Identify forgetting mechanisms: decay, interference (\( RI, PI \)), and Ebbinghaus curve (\( R = e^{-t/S} \)), plus false memories.
Explore Topic 2.7 →Intelligence and Achievement
Compare major intelligence theories, cognitive testing, and scoring (\( IQ = \frac{\text{MA}}{\text{CA}} \times 100 \)).
Explore Topic 2.8 →🌟 Why Unit 2 Matters
Cognition underpins all learning and reasoning. Psychological science, real-life decision-making, and AP® exam success all depend on mastery of cognitive concepts.
- Thinking skills are practical skills: Improved memory, analysis, and problem solving benefit all subjects
- 10–14% of the AP® exam: This unit covers a major section of MCQ and FRQ problems
- Real-world application: Cognitive science impacts learning methods, study strategies, and everyday choices
- Foundation for later psychology units: Knowledge here connects directly to learning, language, and development
✏️ AP® Exam Success: Unit 2 Strategy
How Unit 2 appears on the AP® Psychology exam:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
- Test of memory models, capacity limits, retrieval cues, memory processes
- Problem-solving scenarios, identifying cognitive biases
- Formulas: chunk capacity (\( 7 \pm 2 \)), signal detection (\( P = \frac{S}{N} \)), forgetting curve (\( R = e^{-t/S} \)), IQ (\( IQ = \frac{\text{MA}}{\text{CA}} \times 100 \))
Free Response Questions (FRQ):
- Application of memory models in scenarios
- Diagram encoding/storage/retrieval process
- Explain reasoning errors and intelligence theories
- Interpret formulas and apply to sample data
Key Success Strategies:
- Use formulas in reasoning: Model forgetting, capacity, and signal detection mathematically
- Draw diagrams: Visual memory and cognition models score higher
- Relate theory to practice: Always cite real-world or classic study evidence
- Memorize key terms: “chunking”, “retrieval”, “proactive interference”, “Spearman’s g”, “IQ test”
📅 Recommended Study Path
Suggested weekly progression:
- Week 1: Perception & Thinking (Topics 2.1–2.2)
- Study perception and cognitive strategy basics
- Practice MCQ on problem-solving types
- Week 2: Memory Introduction & Encoding (Topics 2.3–2.4)
- Diagram major models and encoding types
- Memorize memory process terms and concepts
- Week 3: Memory Storage & Retrieval (Topics 2.5–2.6)
- Apply chunking formula, review memory stages
- Practice retrieval-based questions and cues
- Week 4: Forgetting & Intelligence (Topics 2.7–2.8)
- Model forgetting curves and study intelligence theories
- Test with FRQ-style prompts and IQ calculations
- Week 5: Review & Practice
- Take a full cognition practice test
- Focus on weak problem types and formula applications
🎁 What's Included in Each Topic Page
Each resource link provides:
- ✅ Formulas & Diagrams: Memory models, intelligence formulas, practice calculations
- ✅ Visual Strategies: Diagrams, flowcharts, visual clues for MCQ/FRQ
- ✅ Exam Techniques: Key tips, classic question types, past papers
- ✅ Common Mistakes: Pitfalls in reasoning, confusion between encoding types, memory errors
- ✅ Practice Exercises: Challenge questions, diagrams, and recall prompts
- ✅ Perfect Math Rendering: All formulas use LaTeX/MathJax
- ✅ Bold, Clear Font: All notes optimized for visibility and mobile
- ✅ Very Light Colors: White/very pale backgrounds for focus and easy review
🚀 Begin Your Cognition Mastery!
Unlock your potential by mastering Unit 2 cognition. Use every topic link above for bold formulas, diagrams, and winning AP® exam strategies. Your psychology skills start here!