294 ❯ STEP 5. Build Your Test-Taking Confidencesection ii
scoring rubric for Essay 1
This is a 10-point essay: one point for each correct connection made between the first and
second terms.Point 1: Explanation of basal metabolic rate and obesity should be established.
Point 2: The connection must include the effect of a low basal metabolic rate with the
increased likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Point 3: Describe or define the spacing effect.
Point 4: The connection between distributed study time and improved long-term recall
must be established.
Point 5: A description of the role of an industrial/organizational psychologist should be
included.
Point 6: The connection between the role of an industrial/organizational psychologist and
improving the workplace must be established.
Point 7: The definition or description of chameleon effect and mirror neurons should be
included.
Point 8: The connection between the chameleon effect and mirror neurons must be
described.
Point 9: Define or describe the term maturation, as a biological process.
Point 10: The connection between maturation and infant memory should be discussed.sample Essay
The basal metabolic rate is defined as the body’s resting rate of energy expenditure. This
rate can be high, meaning you use more energy when you are at rest, or low, meaning you
use less energy to maintain homeostasis. Those who expend less energy may tend to lead a
more sedentary lifestyle. This, in turn, can lead to obesity through decreased exercise and
increased caloric intake.
The spacing effect is the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-
term retention than that achieved through massed practice, or cramming. Those who prac-
tice distributed study, work to master the material over several sessions rather than during
one or two sessions. Several studies have proven that this practice will improve retention.
Industrial/organizational psychology applies psychological principles to the workplace.
Products designed to make the workplace easier, safer, more efficient are often due to con-
sultation and input with an I/O psychologist. The I/O psychologist may suggest that lunch
breaks be staggered by department, to improve morale; or that a person is more likely to
purchase a bottle of soap if it has a curved shape and comfortable hand grips.
The chameleon effect describes how we unconsciously mimic others’ expressions,
stance, and tone so that we may unconsciously match the mannerisms of others in our cur-
rent environment. Mirror neurons fire both when a person acts and observes others acting
in a particular way. These neurons allow a person to mimic others in passive, unconscious
ways such as crossing your arms when the other person engaged in conversation does so;
or scratching your forehead and observing that your partner in conversation does the same.
Maturation is the natural and orderly sequence of biological growth which enables changes
in behavior based on experience. For a long time, it was believed that infants are not capable
of learning and have no memory. In fact, most children do not have memories before the
age of about three years old. However, it has been shown that infants are capable of learn-
ing, as evidenced by experiments by Rovee-Collier, who tied an infant’s foot to a mobile
above the crib. Infants kicked more when tethered to a familiar mobile, and recalled thePracticeexam-01.indd 294 27-05-2018 15:51:22