Suppose the Line You Are Standing in at a Grocery

question 62

Multiple Choice

Suppose the line you are standing in at a grocery checkout counter has not moved for 10 minutes. You notice a cashier opening a new one and inviting you to check out. Do you switch to the new cashier or stay put because you have already waited for 10 minutes?

• A) stay, because you have already waited for 10 minutes
• B) decide to wait for another 5 minutes in case your line speeds up
• C) walk out of the store without buying anything because of the wait times
• D) be patient and read a magazine while you are waiting
• E) switch, because the 10 minutes you waited is a sunk cost

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Definitions:

Sensory Memory

The shortest-term element of memory, where sensory information is retained for a very short period of time, usually less than a second.

Echoic Memory

A subtype of sensory memory that retains audio information, allowing individuals to recall sounds and words in a precise manner shortly after the sounds are heard.

Iconic Memory

A type of visual sensory memory that retains a perfect image of a visual stimulus for a brief period after it has disappeared.

Parallel Processing

The ability of the brain to simultaneously process incoming stimuli of differing quality, a critical aspect of perception and understanding of the environment.