Ch.8 Learning and Intelligence

What is cognition?

Cognition refers to the ways information is processed and manipulated in remembering, thinking, problem-solving, and knowing.

What analogy is used to understand cognition?

The computer analogy is used, where the physical brain is likened to a computer's hardware, and cognition is compared to software.

What are concepts in thinking?

Concepts are mental categories used to group objects, events, and characteristics that help in generalizing and associating experiences.

What are the four steps of problem-solving?

1. Find and frame the problem, 2) Develop good problem-solving strategies, 3) Evaluate solutions, 4) Rethink and redefine problems and solutions.

What is fixation in problem-solving?

Fixation refers to using a prior strategy and failing to look at a problem from a fresh perspective.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning builds generalizations from specific observations, while deductive reasoning applies general principles to specific instances.

What is decision-making?

Decision-making involves evaluating alternatives and choosing among them, potentially without strict rules.

What are biases that can affect decision-making?

Examples include confirmation bias, loss aversion, and hindsight bias, all of which can lead to flawed decisions.

What is intelligence according to Spearman?

Intelligence is seen as an all-purpose ability related to how well one can solve problems and learn from experience.

What are phonemes?

Phonemes are the smallest units of sounds used in human language.

What is fast mapping in language development?

Fast mapping refers to the ability to hear a word and immediately be able to use it in the right context.

What is functional fixedness?

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used.

What is the prototype model?

The prototype model is when people evaluate whether an item belongs to a concept by comparing it with the most generic item in that category.

What defines well-defined vs ill-defined problems?

Well-defined problems have a clear correct answer, while ill-defined problems do not have right or wrong answers.

What is the role of algorithms in problem-solving?

Algorithms are systematic procedures that aim to solve a problem by ensuring a solution is found.

What does divergent thinking produce?

Divergent thinking produces many possible solutions to the same problem.

What is-closure of the Critical Period in language development?

The Critical Period refers to the timeframe in which a child must be exposed to language to fully develop language skills.