Topic 2.2 : Thinking, Problem-Solving

Cognition

Refers to all forms of knowing and awareness.

Concepts

Mental categories we use to group similar people, objects, or ideas (e.g., ball).

Prototypes

Mental exemplars used to categorize objects (e.g., basketball).

Schemas

Plural form of schema; mental structures that organize knowledge.

Assimilation

Interpreting new information into existing schemas.

Schematic Accommodation

Modifying existing schemas to fit new information.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures to solve a problem.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts used to solve problems.

Representativeness Heuristic

Making judgements based on how much something resembles or represents a typical case or stereotype.

Availability Heuristic

Making judgments based on how easily examples come to mind.

Anchoring

Relying too much on the first piece of information.

Mental Set

Tendency to approach problems with a familiar strategy.

Functional Fixedness

Tendency to see objects only in their usual functions.

Framing Effect

The way information is presented affects decisions.

Priming

Exposure to recent experiences influences response to a later experiences.

Gambler’s Fallacy

Belief that past outcomes affect future probabilities in the short term.

Sunk-cost Fallacy

Continuing a behavior due to previously invested resources.

Executive Functions

Higher-order cognitive processes for goal-directed behavior (planning, inhibition, working memory).

Creativity

Ability to produce new original ideas and solutions

Divergent Thinking

Generating many possible solutions to a problem.

Convergent Thinking

Narrowing down to a single best solution.