2.2A) Concepts, Schemas, Creativity and Executive Function

Cognition

thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

cognition

metacognition

thinking about and keeping track of our mental processes

thinking about and keeping track of our mental processes

metacognition

concept

categories of ideas, objects, and events with common properties

categories of ideas, objects, and events with common properties

concept

prototype

the best representative of a concept, depending on environment exposure, frequency, and cultural socialization

the best representative of a concept, depending on environment exposure, frequency, and cultural socialization

prototype

schema

frameworks for interpreting and organizing information

frameworks for interpreting and organizing information

schema

assimilate

to interpret new experiences according to schema

to interpret new experiences according to schema

assimilate

accomodate

to adapt schema to new information

to adapt schema to new information

accommodate

divergent thinking

the cognitive process of expanding from a starting point to multiple ideas, possibilities, and pathways

the cognitive process of expanding from a starting point to multiple ideas, possibilities, and pathways

divergent thinking

convergent thinking

the cognitive process of narrowing ideas to one solution or answer

the cognitive process of narrowing ideas to one solution or answer

convergent thinking

functional fixedness

when an individual’s schema is so narrow minded that they are unable to conceptualize using an object differently than its intended purpose

when an individual’s schema is so narrow minded that they are unable to conceptualize using an object differently than its intended purpose

functional fixedness

Creativity

A divergent ability to intrinsically produce new and valuable ideas done by experts

a divergent ability to intrinsically to produce new and valuable ideas done by experts

creativity

executive functioning

your brain’s ability to utilize your working memory and decision making (frontal lobe)

your brain’s ability to utilize your working memory and decision making (frontal lobe)

executive functioning

elements of executive function

working memory updating, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility/set shifting, and goal directed planning

working memory updating, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility/set shifting, and goal directed planning

elements of executive function

working memory updating

an element of executive function that holds data while problem solving

an element of executive function that holds data while problem solving

working memory updating

inhibitory control

an element of executive function that delays gratification and resisting impulsive actions

an element of executive function that delays gratification and resisting impulsive actions

inhibitory control

cognitive flexibility/set shifting

an element of executive function that changes approaches when mental set fails

an element of executive function that changes approaches when mental set fails

cognitive flexibility/set shifting

goal directed planning

an element of executive function that breaks problems into smaller parts

an element of executive function that breaks problems into smaller parts

goal directed planning