Chapter 7 - Thinking and Intelligence

What is cognition?

Cognition is thinking and encompasses processes associated with perception, knowledge, problem solving, judgment, language, and memory.

Who studies cognition?

Scientists studying cognition aim to understand how we integrate, organize, and utilize cognitive experiences, focusing on both conscious and unconscious processes.

What is cognitive psychology?

The field dedicated to examining how people think, explaining the interactions among thinking, emotion, creativity, language, problem solving, and other cognitive processes.

What are concepts in cognitive psychology?

Categories or groupings of linguistic information, images, ideas, or memories, used to organize information and see relationships.

What is a prototype?

The best example or representation of a concept.

Differentiate between natural and artificial concepts.

Natural concepts are formed through direct or indirect experiences, while artificial concepts are defined by specific characteristics.

What is a schema?

A mental construct consisting of a cluster of related concepts that helps in organizing information.

What is the definition of an event schema?

A set of behaviors that can feel like a routine, also known as a cognitive script.

What components make up a language?

Language consists of a lexicon (vocabulary) and grammar (rules for conveying meaning).

What does the term 'phoneme' refer to?

The basic sound unit of a given language.

What is the relationship between language and thought?

Language can influence the way we think, a concept known as linguistic determinism.

Define trial and error as a problem-solving strategy.

A method of problem solving that involves trying different solutions until finding one that works.

What is the difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?

An algorithm is a step-by-step problem-solving formula, while a heuristic is a general framework or mental shortcut for solving problems.

What is a mental set?

A tendency to approach problems in a way that has been successful in the past, even when it is not effective now.

What are biases in decision-making?

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect decisions and judgments.

What does IQ stand for?

IQ stands for intelligence quotient, a score derived from tests designed to measure intelligence.

Describe the Flynn effect.

The observation that each generation has a significantly higher IQ than the last.

What are learning disabilities?

Cognitive disorders that affect specific areas of cognition, particularly language or reading, distinct from intellectual disabilities.

Differentiate between dysgraphia and dyslexia.

Dysgraphia is a writing disability affecting legibility, while dyslexia is a reading disability affecting sound-letter correspondence.

What is emotional intelligence?

The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, including skills like empathy and social skills.