Chapter 8: Cognition, Language and Intelligence

Cognition

mental activity associated with obtaining, converting, and using of knowledge

Thinking

mentla activity associated with coming to a decision, reaching a solution, or forming a belief (type of cognition)

Superordinate

broadest categoy, encompasses all objects in group (ex. furniture)

Midlevel

basic level; general grouping most often used in everyday experiences (ex. couches only)

Subordinate-level

narrow, specific (ex. loveseat)

Formal concepts

mental representations of categories created through rigid and logical rules or through features; allow us to categorize objects and ideas in a very precise way (used heavily in natural science and math)

Natural concepts

mental reprentations of categories resulting from experiences in daily life; develop as a result of everyday encounters and vary according to our culture and individual experiences (ex. forest bathing)

Trial and Error

process of finding a solution after a series of attemps; mistakes likely

Algorisms

use formulas or sets of rules to solve problems, ensure solution if right steps followed

Heuristics

shortcut that employs a rule of thumb guidelines, or strategy for finding a solution, shrinks number of solutions, no guarantee

Insight

understanding that occurs in a sudden stroke of clarity, Aha moment - from prior experience or new, occurs as a surprise due to a lack of awareness to mental work

Availability Heuristic

predicts the likelihood of something happening based on how easily a similar type of event from the past can be recalled such events are common

Representativeness Heuristic

quick, effortless judgments about how closely a person or situation fits our preconceived prototype

Wechsler intelligence test

created intelligence tests consisting of a variety of subtests designed to measure different aspects of intellectual ability (the test rosie gave you)

Divergent thinking

devise many solutions to a problem

Convergent thinking

find a single best solution by converging on the correct answer

What is a below average score for Wechsler’s IQ score?

< 85

What is an above average score for Wechsler’s IQ score?

> 115

What is the mean score for Wechsler’s IQ score?

100

What is the standard deviation for Wechsler’s IQ score?

15 points