AP Psychology Topic 2.2 - Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgments, and Decision Making

Accommodation

Changing your existing ideas to fit new information.

Algorithm

A step-by-step method that always gives the right answer if followed correctly.

Assimilation

Adding new information into what you already know, even if it's not a perfect fit.

Availability Heuristic

Judging how likely something is based on how easily you can think of examples.

Concept

A mental category or group of similar things (like 'fruits' or 'tools').

Convergent Thinking

Thinking that focuses on finding one correct answer.

Creativity

The ability to generate innovative and useful ideas.

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of information rather than simply accepting it.

Decision-Making

Choosing between options using thinking, judgment, or preference.

Divergent Thinking

Thinking that explores many possible solutions or ideas.

Executive Functions

Mental skills that help with planning, staying focused, and managing tasks.

Framing

How information is presented affects how you understand or react to it

Functional Fixedness

Only seeing an object for its usual purpose, not other possible uses.

Gambler’s Fallacy

Believing that past random events affect future ones (like thinking a coin is “due” for heads).

Heuristics

Simple rules or shortcuts your brain uses to make quick decisions.

Mental Set

Sticking with the same solution that worked before, even if it doesn't work now.

Priming

When exposure to one thing influences how you respond to something else, often without realizing it.

Problem-Solving

Finding a way to reach a goal or fix an issue.

Prototype

The best or most typical example of a category in your mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging something based on how much it matches a stereotype.

Schema

A mental framework that helps organize and interpret information.

Sunk-Cost Fallacy

Sticking with something just because you’ve already invested time or money, even if it’s not worth it.