Hey GaYoon!

Thank you SO much for your questions! It's great to have students who think as critically as you do. Here are the explanations (and the rest of the question for P.277...with answer explanations for your viewing pleasure )

For P.273, the correct answer is D) comparable to. Here's why: 

1.     Let's look at what the passage is saying. The passage mentions that recent studies have challenged a certain belief about the diet of medieval European peasants compared to that of the nobility. It then contrasts the peasants' diet, mainly consisting of locally sourced grains and vegetables, with the more diverse and exotic foods available to the upper class.

2.     Notice the contrast between the simple, locally sourced diet of the peasants and the diverse, exotic diet of the nobility. The passage implies that, despite these differences, there was a belief that the diets shared some level of similarity, which recent studies are now questioning.

3.     Thus, the word we need should reflect the idea that the diets of peasants and nobility were once thought to be somewhat similar in nature, though the passage suggests this idea is being reconsidered.

4.     Ask yourself, what word best captures the idea of comparing two things with some degree of similarity? "Comparable to" is the most logical choice because it suggests that the diets of peasants and nobility were considered similar enough to be compared, which aligns with the studies mentioned in the passage that challenge the notion of a clear difference.

P.277

Here's the entire question, with answer choices, and the explanation after. 

Text 1

Cognitive psychologists have long studied how memory works, focusing on how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. According to the multi-store model, memory consists of three distinct stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. This model suggests that information passes through these stores sequentially, with rehearsal playing a crucial role in transferring data from short-term to long-term memory. Despite its widespread acceptance, this model has been criticized for its simplicity and lack of consideration for the complexities of memory processes.

Text 2

Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, a prominent cognitive psychologist known for her work on the malleability of human memory, has raised significant questions about the multi-store model. Loftus argues that memory is not a linear process but is instead highly reconstructive and susceptible to distortion. Her research demonstrates that memories can be influenced by various factors—such as leading questions, post-event information, and social influences—indicating that the multi-store model oversimplifies the dynamic nature of human memory.

Question + Answer Choices 

Based on the texts, how would Dr. Elizabeth Loftus (Text 2) most likely respond to the multi-store model discussed in Text 1?

A)    By calling out the model’s comprehensive explanation of the sequential nature of memory processes

B)    By championing its linear and sequential processes and lauding its simplified approach to a complex topic

C)    By recommending that additional research be done to explore how memory is influenced by social and environmental factors

D)    By criticizing its sequential and simplistic approach to a dynamic and complex process 

Answer Explanation:

Answer: D) By criticizing its sequential and simplistic approach to a dynamic and complex process    

Option D is correct because Dr. Loftus, in Text 2, critiques the multi-store model for presenting memory as a "linear process." She specifically argues that memory is instead "highly reconstructive and susceptible to distortion," emphasizing that the model’s portrayal oversimplifies memory's complexity. By demonstrating that memories can be influenced by various factors, Loftus highlights how the multi-store model fails to account for these dynamic factors. Thus, she would most likely criticize the model for its overly "sequential and simplistic approach" to a more intricate and flexible process.

Option A is incorrect because it distorts the passage by suggesting that Dr. Loftus would "call out the model's comprehensive explanation." In fact, Text 1 describes the multi-store model as being criticized for its "simplicity" rather than being comprehensive. The argument made by Dr. Loftus is that memory is a "complex process" that the model fails to capture, not that it provides a thorough or complete view. This makes the option a distortion of the text’s meaning, as it misrepresents both the model’s limitations and Loftus’s perspective. 

Option B is incorrect because it implies that Loftus would support (champion) the model's sequential processes and its simplified approach. In reality, Text 2 clearly shows that Loftus criticizes this oversimplified view of memory. This option is a contradiction of her views, as it misinterprets her stance by suggesting she would advocate for the approach she actively challenges.

Option C is incorrect because it suggests that Loftus would recommend further research to explore how memory is influenced by social and environmental factors. While Loftus’s research does indicate that memory is affected by these factors, the text does not imply that she would recommend more research. This makes the option irrelevant, as it introduces ideas not supported by the text.

I hope this helps!

Keep moving forward! You're doing GREAT! 

Jin