Cognitive psychology

concept

a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people

prototype

a mental image or best example of a category

Algorithm

a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem

Heuristic

a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; usually speedier but also more error-prone than algorithms

problem solving methods

trial and error, algorithms, heuristics

trial and error

A problem-solving strategy that involves attempting different solutions and eliminating those that do not work.

beleif perserverance

clinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited

availability heuristic

estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory (perhaps because of vividness), we think these events are common

Cognitive Processes

processes that involve changes in an individual's thought, intelligence, and language

Framing

the way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can significantly affect decisions and judgments.

mental set

a tendency to approach a problem in a particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past

3 levels of analysis

computational, algorithmic, implementational

Perception

the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.

perceptual set

a predisposition or readiness to perceive something in a particular way

form perception

the process by which sensations are organized into meaningful shapes and patterns

figure-ground relationship

The principle by which we organize the perceptual field into stimuli that stand out (figure) and those that are left over (ground).

Grouping types of perception

proximity, continuity, closure

depth perception

the ability to see objects in three dimensions although the images that strike the retina are two-dimensional; allows us to judge distance

binocular cues

depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of two eyes

monocular cues

distance cues, such as linear perspective and overlap, available to either eye alone

Motion Perception

assume that changing size of object suggests object is moving towards or away

larger objects should change size slowly

phi phenomenon- blinking lights next to each other give illusion of movement

constancy

the tendency to perceive certain objects in the same way regardless of changing angle, distance, or lighting

attribution theory

the theory that we explain someone's behavior by crediting either the situation or the person's disposition

Cognitive Bias

error in thinking that involves processing threatening information or interpreting ambiguous information negatively

self-perception theory

the theory that when we are unsure of our attitudes, we infer them much as would someone observing us - by looking at our behavior and the circumstances under which it occurs

fundamental attribution error

tendency to attribute others' behavior to their dispositions and our own behaviors to our situations

Social Identity Theory

theory in which the formation of a person's identity within a particular social group is explained by social categorization, social identity, and social comparison

cognitive dissonance

unpleasant mental experience of tension resulting from two conflicting thoughts or beliefs

Metacognition

awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.

Cognitive Strategies

Learning strategies that are taught to promote independent learning and higher order thinking skills.

Metacognitive Strategies

Strategies used by learners to plan, regulate and monitor their learning.

Example: highlighting important information

Types of cognitive proceses

Perception, learning, problem solving, motivation