PSY 200 - Module 5 - Cognition

Cognition

The mental processes we use to acquire, process, store, and retrieve knowledge.

Concept

A mental category for grouping similar ideas, objects, or events.

Prototype

The “best example” of a concept that helps us make quick judgments.

Schema

A mental framework that organizes knowledge and expectations about the world.

Algorithm

A step-by-step method that guarantees a solution if followed correctly.

Heuristic

A mental shortcut or rule of thumb for solving problems quickly, but not always accurately.

Availability Heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of something based on how easily examples come to mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging probability based on how much something fits our mental prototype.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to notice or remember info that confirms our beliefs and ignore contradictions.

Fixation

Being stuck on one approach or idea and failing to see alternatives.

Belief Perseverance

Clinging to beliefs even when evidence proves them wrong.

Framing

Presenting information in a way that influences how people interpret it, shaping decisions.

Divergent Thinking

Generating many possible solutions; thinking creatively and broadly.

Convergent Thinking

Narrowing down options to find the single best solution.

Insight

Sudden realization of a solution, often after a break from active thinking.

Overconfidence Bias

Being more confident in our knowledge or decisions than is justified.

Hindsight Bias

Thinking an outcome was predictable after it already happened.

Anchoring

Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered.

Incubation

Taking a mental break from a problem, which can lead to new insights.

Critical Thinking

Evaluating evidence, reasoning logically, and questioning assumptions to make sound judgments.