Chapter 8: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 8, focusing on thinking, language, and intelligence.

What is metacognition?

Metacognition is thinking about one's thinking, including awareness of learning strengths and biases.

Where in the brain does problem solving and decision making primarily occur?

These processes primarily occur in the prefrontal cortex.

Define cognition.

Cognition refers to the mental activities involved in acquiring, storing, and using knowledge.

What are the functions of the prefrontal cortex?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in problem solving, decision making, planning, directing attention, multitasking, and synthesizing information.

What is a mental image?

A mental image is a mental representation of previously stored sensory experiences.

What is the difference between assimilation and accommodation?

Assimilation involves adding new information into existing schemas, while accommodation involves changing existing schemas to fit new information.

List the three steps of problem solving.

1. Preparation: Identify relevant facts and define goals. 2. Production: Generate possible solutions. 3. Evaluation: Evaluate if solutions meet criteria.

What is the difference between algorithms and heuristics?

Algorithms are step-by-step logical procedures that guarantee a solution, while heuristics are simple rules that do not guarantee a solution but help narrow alternatives.

What is the availability heuristic?

The availability heuristic is a bias where individuals judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind.

Define the representativeness heuristic. What risk does it pose?

The representativeness heuristic involves judging based on prototype comparisons, potentially leading to stereotyping.

What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias involves favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

What are the two types of thinking involved in creativity?

Divergent thinking produces many alternatives from a single starting point, while convergent thinking narrows down alternatives to find a single correct answer.

What is the framing effect?

The framing effect is a cognitive bias where people decide between options based on how the options are presented.

What does the nature argument suggest about language development?

The nature argument posits that children are prewired with a Language Acquisition Device that enables them to analyze language.

What are phonemes and morphemes?

Phonemes are the smallest units of sound, while morphemes are the smallest meaningful units of language.

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that the structure of a language affects how its speakers perceive and think about the world.

Define intelligence as discussed in the chapter.

Intelligence is the global capacity to think rationally, act purposefully, and effectively deal with the environment.

What did Howard Gardner contribute to the understanding of intelligence?

Howard Gardner proposed the Multiple Intelligences theory, identifying different forms of intelligence beyond traditional IQ.

What is emotional intelligence (EI)?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions, empathize with others, and maintain relationships.

What characterizes a growth mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.

What is the Flynn effect?

The Flynn effect refers to the gradual increase in IQ scores over time in populations.

What are two main problems associated with Sir Francis Galton's study of intelligence?

Galton's study had no correlation between physical traits and intelligence, and it was used to justify racial supremacy.

What does the term 'intellectual disability' refer to?

Intellectual disability refers to below-average IQ and limitations in adaptive functioning.

Name one characteristic of people considered gifted.

People considered gifted typically have an IQ of 130 or higher.