Chapter 7

Cognitive psychology

Originally based on ideas about thinking as the manipulation of mental representations and knowledge storage.

Mental representations

Images or concepts used in thinking to represent information about the world.

Analogical representations

Mental representations that have physical characteristics resembling what they represent.

Symbolic representations

Abstract mental representations that do not correspond to physical features.

Prototype model

Within each category, there is a best example known as a prototype.

Exemplar model

All members of a category are examples (exemplars) that form the concept.

Schemas

Mental structures that help us perceive, organize, understand, and process information.

Scripts

Schemas that guide behavior over time within a specific situation.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts used to reduce the amount of thinking needed for decisions.

Availability heuristic

Judging how easily something comes to mind to make decisions.

Representative heuristic

Comparing something to our mental prototype to make decisions.

Anchoring heuristic

Decisions influenced by the first piece of information encountered.

Affective forecasting

The anticipation of how a decision will result in future emotional states.

Affect-as-information theory

Current emotions can influence decision-making processes.

Somatic marker theory

Proposes that gut feelings can influence decisions.

Psychometric approach

Measuring intelligence based on standardized test performance.

Achievement tests

Assess current levels of skill and knowledge.

Aptitude tests

Predict future tasks or job successes based on measured abilities.

Fluid intelligence

Ability to process information and think logically, particularly in new or complex situations.

Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge acquired from experience and the ability to apply that knowledge.

Analytical intelligence

Similar to intelligence measured by tests, involving problem solving and academic tasks.

Practical intelligence

Ability to deal with everyday tasks effectively.

Creative intelligence

Ability to gain insights and solve novel problems.

Emotional intelligence

Ability to manage, recognize, and understand emotions to guide thought and action.

Language

System of communication using sounds and symbols according to grammatical rules.

Morphemes

Smallest units of language that have meaning, including prefixes and suffixes.

Phonemes

Basic sounds of speech that constitute the building blocks of language.

Phonology

The study of sounds (consonants and vowels) that make up a spoken language.

Morphology

Word formation and the relationship between words in a language.

Joint attention

The shared focus of two individuals on an object, supporting language learning.

Telegraphic speech

Early stage of language development where toddlers use simplified sentences.