AP Psychology Unit 2.2-Thinking and Problem Solving

Executive Functions

Executive Functions

Cognitive processes that allow people to generate, organize, plan, and carry out goals

Concepts

Mental groupings based on similarities

Prototypes

A mental image that encompasses a whole concept. The best example of a concept

Schemas

A mental framework of ideas and expectations based on previous perceptions and experiences

Assimilation

Taking in new information and assigning it to a schema

Accommodation

Taking in new information and either changing a schema to incorporate it or making a new schema for it

Problem-Solving

The process by which we approach and work through an obstacle

Trial-and-error, heuristics, algorithms

Trial-and-Error

Trying our multiple different possibilities in order to find a solution to a problem

Allows for discovery and exploration

Heuristics

Using general guidelines to solve a problem

Quick and easy

Lead to cognitive biases

Representativeness Heuristics

A judgement you use based on a prototype or stereotype that you have

Availability Heuristics

Estimating the likelihood of an event by how easy examples come to mind

Algorithms

Following step-by-step instructions to solve a problem

Time cons

Priming

Exposure to a stimulus influences how you respond to a subsequent stimulus

Framing

The way the something is presented to you influences your decision-making

Mental set

The tendency to approach a problem in one particular way that has been successful in the past, even if there is a better approach

Gambler’s Fallacy

A cognitive bias where people believe that previous random events affect the likelihood of future random events

Sunk-Cost Fallacy

Continuing to do a task you’ve already invested in, even if it isn’t worth it

Creativity

A way of thinking that includes generating novel ideas and engaging in divergent thinking

Functional Fixedness

Prevents people from thinking outside the box and finding new solutions to a problem

The tendency to use and perceive objects only in terms of their traditional use

Divergent Thinking

Occurs when a problem has multiple solutions

Convergent thinking

Occurs when a problem has only one solution