Unit 2: Cognition (Problem Solving, Thinking, & Intelligence ONLY

Aptitude tests

Tests designed to predict a person's future performance; aptitude is the capacity to learn.

Fixed mindset

The idea that we have a set amount of an ability that cannot change.

Growth mindset

The belief that one's skills and qualities can change and improve through effort and dedication.

Prototypes

Mental image or best example of a category.

Schemas

Cognitive frameworks that help organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

Incorporating new experiences into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Changing existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb to simplify decision-making.

Representativeness heuristic

Judging likelihood based on how similar something is to a prototype.

Availability heuristic

Estimating probability based on how easily examples come to mind.

Mental set

Tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often one that has worked in the past.

Priming

The activation of associations in memory to influence behavior or perception.

Framing

The way information is presented, influencing decisions and judgments.

Gambler's fallacy

Belief that future probabilities are influenced by past events in random processes.

Sunk-cost fallacy

The inclination to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, time, or effort has been made.

Executive functions

Cognitive processes like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Creativity

The ability to produce novel and valuable ideas.

Divergent thinking

Generating many possible solutions to a problem.

Convergent thinking

Narrowing down multiple ideas to find the best solution.

Functional fixedness

The tendency to think of objects only in terms of their typical uses.

Testing effect

Improved retention of information through retrieval practice (testing).

Metacognition

Awareness and control over one's own cognitive processes.

Intelligence

The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt.

g (general intelligence)

The overall mental capacity that influences specific cognitive abilities.

Multiple intelligence

Theory suggesting people have different types of intelligences, like linguistic, logical, spatial, etc.

Intelligence quotient (IQ)

A numerical measure of intelligence derived from standardized tests.

Mental age

The age at which a person's cognitive abilities are typical based on intelligence testing.

Chronological age

The actual age of a person in years.

Standardization

Ensuring test scores are interpreted consistently by comparing them to a norm group.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

Construct validity

Whether a test truly measures the concept it claims to measure.

Predictive validity

How well a test predicts future performance or behavior.

Reliability

The consistency and stability of test results over time.

Test-retest reliability

Consistency of test results when administered at different times.

Split-half reliability

A measure of test consistency by comparing two halves of a test.

Stereotype threat

The fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, affecting performance.

Stereotype lift

The enhancement of performance when one is reminded of positive stereotypes about their group.

Flynn Effect

The observed increase in IQ scores over time across generations.

Achievement tests

Tests that measure knowledge or skills acquired in a specific area.

Aptitude tests

Tests designed to measure a person's potential to learn or perform in a particular area.

Fixed mindset

Belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable.

Growth mindset

Belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning.