ap psych thinking/problem solving

representative heuristic

judging by how similar something is to a typical example

availability heuristic

judging based on how easily examples come to mind

schema

mental frameworks that help organize and interpret info

mental set

Tendency to solve problems in the same way that worked before.

framing

How something is worded or presented can change the way we think or decide.

priming

When exposure to one thing influences how you respond to something later.

gambler’s fallacy

The false belief that past random events affect future ones (like thinking you’ll “win soon” after losing many times).

sunk-cost fallacy

Sticking with something because you’ve already spent time or money on it, even if it’s not worth it anymore.

executive function

Mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember, and control our behavior.

working memory

The short-term system that holds and uses information while you think or solve problems.

cognitive flexibility

Ability to switch between different ideas or adapt to new situations.

inhibitory control

Ability to stop yourself from acting on impulses or distractions

concept hierarchy 

How concepts are organized from general to specific (e.g., animal → dog → golden retriever).

assimilation

Fitting new information into what you already know (existing schemas).

accomadation

Changing existing schemas to fit new information.

linguistic determination

The idea that language shapes how we think.

concepts

Mental groupings of similar things, people, or ideas.

prototypes

The best example or “mental image” of a concept.

convergent thinking

Finding one correct answer to a problem using logic.

divergent thinking

Thinking of many different, creative ideas or solutions.

functional fixedness

Seeing objects as only working in their usual way.

belief perseverance

Holding onto beliefs even after being shown evidence against them.

insight

A sudden realization of a solution to a problem (“aha” moment).

algorithms

step by step problem solving that guarantees a solution

heuristics in problem solving

simple rule or shortcut for quick problem solving