Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

In the field of cognitive psychology, researchers have long debated whether human memory operates like a digital recording or a reconstructed narrative. Recent neuroimaging studies support the latter view, showing that each time a memory is recalled, the brain actively reconstructs the event, integrating new sensory inputs. Thus, far from being an ________ record of past experiences, memory is a dynamic and highly malleable process.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A
    authentic
  2. B
    ephemeral
  3. immutableAnswer
  4. D
    erratic

Answer

immutable
The sentence presents a contrast between what memory is commonly assumed to be (the blank) and what neuroimaging studies reveal it to be (a dynamic and highly malleable process). The correct choice must mean unchanging or permanent to create the logical contrast set up by 'far from being.' The word 'immutable' means unchanging or unable to be changed, fitting the context perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship established by the transition in the final sentence.
The phrase 'far from being' indicates a contrast between the word in the blank and the descriptive phrase 'dynamic and highly malleable.'
Understanding the logical direction of the sentence is essential for selecting the correct vocabulary word.
2
Define the target meaning of the word in the blank.
Because memory is described as changing and adjustable (dynamic and malleable), the blank must describe a record that does not change.
This establishes the exact semantic requirement for the correct answer.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the word that best fits the target meaning.
The word 'immutable' means unchanging or incapable of change, which directly opposes 'dynamic and malleable.' Other choices fail to establish this necessary contrast.
This confirms the correct choice based on contextual precision.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary
Rate this question

Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

More questions from this topic