UNIT 2 NOTES - Cognition

Cognition

The process of subconsciously or consciously processing information.

Concept

Mental groupings of similar objects or things.

Prototype

The mental image of the best example of an object.

Schemas

Constructs that serve as building blocks of intellectual abilities.

Assimilation

Interpreting new experiences in terms of existing schemas.

Accommodate

Adapting current schemas to incorporate new information.

Algorithm

A methodical, logical rule that guarantees a solution.

Heuristic

A simple thinking strategy that is faster but error-prone compared to algorithms.

Insight

A sudden realization of a problem's solution (also known as "Aha" moments).

Mental Set

Using problem-solving techniques that have worked in the past.

Priming

A technique wherein the introduction of one stimulus affects the introduction of another.

Framing

The way an issue is posed.

Functional Fixedness

The tendency to focus on the most common use of an object.

Representative Heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of events based on how well they represent a prototype.

Availability Heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of events based on the availability of memories.

Anchoring Bias

A powerful thought that clouds decision-making by anchoring judgments.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to listen to opinions that match one's beliefs.

Hindsight Bias

The inclination to see events as having been predictable after they have already occurred.

Overconfidence

A bias where someone feels more confident than correct.

Belief Perseverance

Clinging to original beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.

Conjunction Fallacy

Believing that the odds of two uncertain events happening together are higher than one occurring alone.

Gambler’s Fallacy

The belief that the odds of winning something increase because the outcome hasn't occurred in some time.

Sunk-Cost Fallacy

The tendency to continue a strategy due to previously invested resources.

Executive Functions

Cognitive processes that help generate, organize, plan, and implement goal-directed behavior.

Creativity

The ability to create new and valuable ideas.

Aptitude

The ability to learn.

Divergent Thinking

A type of thinking that expands to explore many possible solutions.

Convergent Thinking

A type of thinking that narrows down solutions to the one best answer.

Long-Term Memory

The system of memory that allows storage of information for long periods.

Explicit Memory

Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know.

Implicit Memory

Memory that is retained automatically; does not require conscious thought.

Episodic Memory

Memory of personally experienced events.

Semantic Memory

Memory of general knowledge and facts.

Priming (Memory Context)

The improved ability to recall information due to earlier exposure to similar stimuli.

Forgetting Curve

A graphical representation of the decline of memory retention over time.

Recognition

The ability to identify information previously learned.

Recall

The act of retrieving information learned earlier without help.

Repression

The defense mechanism that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts from consciousness.

Intelligence

The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

General Intelligence (g)

A single factor that underlies all mental abilities.

Multiple Intelligence Theory

Howard Gardner's theory that suggests there are different types of intelligence.

Savant Syndrome

A condition where a person with a cognitive limitation shows exceptional ability in a specific area.

Crystallized Intelligence

Knowledge accumulated over time.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to reason quickly and abstractly.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Robert Sternberg's model encompassing analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.

Social Intelligence

The ability to perceive, regulate, and understand emotions.

Standardized Testing

Tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner.