Modules 27-29 Psych: Thinking

Cognition

All the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

Concept

A mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people.

Prototype

A mental image or best example of a category

Creativity

The ability to produce new and valuable ideas

Convergent Thinking

Narrowing options to identify a single correct solution

Divergent Thinking

Expanding the number of possible solutions

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution

Heuristic

A simple thinking strategy that allows quick judgements but may lead to errors

Trial and Error

Attempting solutions until finding one that works

Insight

A sudden realization of a solution to a problem

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for information that confirms preexisting beliefs

Fixation

The inability to see a problem from a new perspective

Mental Set

A tendency to approach problems in the same way as before

Functional Fixedness

The inability to see new uses for familiar objects

Availability Heuristic

Estimating likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging probability based on similarity to a prototype

Overconfidence

Being more confident in one’s judgments than is justified

Belief Perseverance

Clinging to beliefs despite contradictory evidence

Framing

The way information is presented influences decisions

Language

A system of communication using sounds, symbols, or gestures

Phoneme

The smallest unit of meaning in language

Morpheme

The smallest unit of meaning in language

Grammar

The system of rules for combining words into meaningful sentences

Semantics

The set of rules for deriving meaning from sounds

Syntax

The set of rules for arranging words into sentences

Babbling Stage

Beginning around 4 months, infants spontaneously utter sounds

One-Word Stage

Around 1 y/o, children speak mostly single words

Two-Word Stage

Around 2 y/o, children combine two words

Telegraphic Speech

Early speech using mostly nouns and verbs

Overgeneralization

Applying grammar rules too broadly

Intelligence

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

General Intelligence

A general mental ability underlying specific skills

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify clusters of related abilities

Savant Syndrome

A condition in which a person with limited intelligence has exceptional abilities in one area

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions

Spearman’s Two-Factor Theory

Intelligence consists of general intelligence (g) plus specific abilities

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Intelligence consists of multiple distinct abilities

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory

Intelligence includes analytical, creative, and practical intelligence

Intelligence Test

A method for assessing intellectual ability

Standardization

Establishing consistent testing procedures and norms

Norms

Test performance standards used to compare individuals

Reliability

The consistency of test results

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure

Content Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure

Predictive Validity

The success with which a test predicts future performance

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A score representing mental ability relative to age group

Normal Curve

A symmetrical bell-shaped curve representing distribution of scores

Heritability

The proportion of variation in a trait due to genetic factors

Environment

External factors influencing development and intelligence

Growth Mindset

The belief that intelligence can improve with effort

Fixed Mindset

The belief that intelligence is static