Cognition, Memory, and Language

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to cognition, memory, and language, based on lecture notes.

Cognition

Thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

Concepts

Mental groupings (e.g., grouping all 'exes' into one category).

Schemas

Pre-existing ideas based on experience.

Algorithms

Step-by-step problem-solving procedures that guarantee a solution, though they may be slower.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts that are faster but riskier in problem-solving.

Insight

A sudden realization or spark that provides a solution to a problem.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to only look for information that supports your existing ideas.

Fixation

Getting stuck on one way of thinking, even when it's not working.

Availability Heuristic

Judging based on what easily comes to mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging based on stereotypes.

Phonemes

Smallest units of sound in a language (e.g., 'k' in 'cruel').

Morphemes

Smallest units of meaning in a language (e.g., 'anti-' in 'Anti-Hero').

Semantics

The meaning of words and phrases.

Syntax

The order of words in a sentence.

Fluid Intelligence

Problem-solving in new situations.

Crystallized Intelligence

Knowledge from experience.

Perception

How we interpret sensory input to understand our world

Encoding

Turning information into memory.

Storage

Keeping information stored in memory.

Retrieval

Pulling information out of memory when needed.

Sensory Memory

Fleeting impressions of sensory information.

Short-Term Memory

Holding a small amount of information briefly (about 7 items).

Long-Term Memory

Life-long knowledge.

Explicit (Declarative) Memory

Memory of facts and events.

Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory

Memory of skills and habits.

Working Memory

Keeps information active for reasoning.

Decay Theory

Information fades from memory over time.

Interference Theory

New memories overwrite old ones.