Thinking & Problem Solving

Cognition

Mental processes of thinking, knowing, remembering, communicating.

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes.

Concept

Mental grouping of similar things.

Prototype

Best example of a category.

Schema

Framework that organizes and interprets information.

Assimilation

Fitting new info into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adjusting schemas for new info.

Creativity

Producing novel and valuable ideas.

Convergent thinking

Narrowing to best solution.

Divergent thinking

Generating multiple possible solutions.

Executive functions

Mental skills like planning, attention, problem solving.

Algorithm

Step-by-step method that guarantees solution.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb.

Insight

Sudden realization of solution.

Confirmation bias

Seeking info that supports beliefs.

Fixation

Stuck in one way of thinking.

Mental set

Habitual strategy for solving problems.

Intuition

Automatic, effortless thinking.

Representative heuristic

Judging by how well something fits prototype.

Availability heuristic

Estimating likelihood by how easily examples come to mind.

Overconfidence

Overestimating accuracy of knowledge.

Belief perseverance

Holding beliefs despite contrary evidence.

Framing

Way info is presented influences decisions.

Nudge

Subtle policy shift that alters behavior without force