concepts and problem solving

2.2a

implicit assumptions

limit out of the box thinking, assume rules and restrictions that don’t actually exist

cognition

mental process of thinking, learning, and knowing— includes perception and sensation

concepts

things or ideas we group together based on shared properties or characteristics

superordinate

broad

basic

specific examples of super

subordinate

specific examples of basic

prototype

mental image or pinnacle (best) example of a particular concept

convergent thinking

fact→answer, problems for which there is a single correct answer

divergent thinking

think creatively, generate as many ideas as possible (ex brainstorming) 

incubation

when a problem is left for a certain amount of time, allowing a person to work on the problem without conscious effort

insight

a sudden solution to a problem, typically after incubation

metacognition

thinking about thinking, reflecting on thoughts (ex thinking over a past conversation)

trial and error

try as many possible solutions and discard approaches that are not useful

functional fixedness

we are trapped into seeing only certain, common uses for some objects

intuition

effortless, immediate, automatic feelings or thoughts

expertise

using expert skill or knowledge to solve a problem

mental set

if something has worked in the past, can become a fixation and person can now use it for everything

algorithm

a step by step method that guarantees a correct solution as long as each step is properly executed

heuristic

intuitive mental shortcuts in problem solving, not guaranteed to be correct