Cognition Terms

convergent thinking

Systematic and logical attempt to reach specific goal or answer. Linear, directed, and organized thought processes

divergent thinking

Expanding the number of possible problem solutions through use of creative thinking that diverges in different directions. Free flow of ideas/thinking involving imaginative thinking, brainstorming, or thinking "outside the box"

metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. "Thinking about thinking"

concept/schema

Mental representation or grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people

prototype

Mental image or best example of a category. Closely matches defining characteristics of a concept

trial and error

Problem-solving strategy that involves attempting different solutions and eliminating those that do not work. Took Edison over 1,000 trials to find the right filament as he sought to create a usable light bulb

algorithm

Step-by-step procedure for solving a problem

representativeness heuristics

Judging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes. May lead us to ignore other relevant information or options

availability heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory. Events that are vivid, distinct, or readily available in memory are presumed to be more common.

confirmation bias

Tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence

fixation

Inability to see a problem from a new perspective, which impedes problem solving

functional fixedness

Tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions, which impedes problem solving

mental set

Tendency to approach a problem in a particular way, especially a way that has been successful in the past. May or may not be helpful in solving a new problem

overconfidence bias

Bias in which people's subjective confidence in their decision making is greater than their objective accuracy. Tendency for people to overestimate their abilities, beliefs, and judgements.

belief perseverance

Tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them