Language and Thought

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to language and thought, cognitive processes, language structure, problem-solving strategies, and decision-making biases.

Cognition

Activities that underlie all forms of thought.

Linguistic relativity hypothesis

The theory that language shapes our perceptions of reality and influences our thoughts.

Grammar

Rules that enable the combination of symbols to create meaning in language.

Phonology

The rules for combining sounds to make words.

Syntax

The rules for combining words to make sentences.

Semantics

Rules used to communicate meaning.

Phonemes

The smallest significant sound units in speech.

Morphemes

Smallest units of language that carry meaning.

Pragmatics

Practical knowledge used to comprehend the intentions of speakers and produce an effective response.

Telegraphic speech

Combining two words into simple sentences, reflecting rudimentary knowledge of syntax.

Prototype

The best or most representative member of a category.

Problem-solving

An adaptive skill involving the identification of a goal and finding a way to reach that goal.

Well-defined problem

A problem with a clear goal, starting point, and mechanism for evaluating progress.

Ill-defined problem

A problem that has no well-stated goal, no clear starting point, and no mechanism for evaluating progress.

Heuristics

Rules of thumb used to solve problems, which do not guarantee a solution.

Functional fixedness

The tendency to see objects and their functions in fixed and typical ways.

Insight

The moment when a problem solution seems to pop suddenly into one’s mind.

Decision making

The process by which one assesses alternatives and selects the best option.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to seek out and use information that supports a prior decision or belief.

Representativeness heuristic

Estimating the probability of an event based on how similar it is to a known situation.

Availability heuristic

Using information that comes to mind most easily to make judgments.

Anchoring

Judgment influenced by initial estimates given.