MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 38: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 38

8. Which of the following is true of controlled processing?

  • A. It is the means through which information enters short-term memory.
  • B. Information that requires controlled processing cannot become automatic.
  • C. It always requires active attention to the information being encoded.
  • D. Most information we can later recall is encoded using controlled processing.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

This is the definition of controlled processing and is the only answer choice that is necessarily true of controlled processing. Effortful processing is used to create long-term memories, and—with practice—can become automatic, invalidating choices (A) and (B). Most of our day-to-day activities are processed automatically, making choice (D) incorrect.

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