Cognition and Problem Solving

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on cognitive psychology concepts and problem-solving strategies.

Cognition

All mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

Concept

A mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people.

Prototype

A mental image or best example of a category used to sort items.

Creativity

The ability to produce new and valuable ideas.

Convergent Thinking

Narrowing the available problem solutions to determine the best solution.

Divergent Thinking

Expanding the number of possible problem solutions; creative thinking that diverges in different directions.

Algorithm

A methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem.

Heuristic

A simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; more error-prone but quicker.

Insight

A sudden realization of a problem solution.

Confirmation Bias

A tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence.

Fixation

The inability to see a problem from a new perspective.

Mental Set

A tendency to approach a problem in one particular way that has been successful in the past.

Intuition

An effortless immediate feeling or thought.

Representative Heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of events by how well they seem to represent or match particular prototypes.

Availability Heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind, we presume they are common.

Fear Factor

The tendency to fear things we have dramatic memories of or have evolved to fear.

Overconfidence

The tendency to be more confident than correct.

Belief Perseverance

Clinging to one's initial conceptions even after the basis has been discredited.

Framing

The way an issue is posed; how an issue is worded can affect the outcome.

5 components of creativity

• Expertise

• Imaginative thinking skills

• A venturesome personality

• Intrinsic motivation

• A creative environment