Problem Solving and Judgment

Cognition

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, including self-regulation and reflection on learning.

Concept

A mental representation or idea that groups together similar objects, events, or ideas based on shared characteristics.

Prototype

A typical example or representation of a concept that embodies the most common features of that category.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or completing a task, often guaranteeing a solution.

Heuristic

A mental shortcut or rule of thumb that simplifies decision-making and problem-solving, often based on experience.

Insight

The sudden realization of a problem's solution, often occurring after a period of contemplation.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

Fixation

An inability to see a problem from a new perspective, often hindering problem-solving.

Intuition

The ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.

Representativeness Heuristic

A mental shortcut that relies on the similarity of an object or event to a prototype, often leading to errors in judgment.

Availability Heuristic

A mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a specific topic, concept, method, or decision.

Overconfidence

A cognitive bias characterized by an excessive belief in one's own abilities or the accuracy of one's knowledge.

Belief Perseverance

The tendency to maintain a belief even when confronted with evidence that contradicts it.

Framing

The way information is presented or structured, which can significantly influence perceptions and decisions.

Nudge

A subtle policy shift or change in the environment that encourages people to make decisions that are in their broad self-interest.

Creativity

The ability to produce original and valuable ideas or solutions.

Convergent Thinking

A cognitive process that involves bringing together different ideas and information to find a single, best solution.

Divergent Thinking

A cognitive process that generates multiple, unique ideas or solutions to a problem, emphasizing creativity and exploration.