Problem Solving and Learning Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to problem solving, decision making, experimental design, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures or formulas for solving problems.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that simplify decision making.

Availability Heuristic

A mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

A tendency to judge things based on how well they represent, or match, a particular prototype.

Anchoring and Adjustment Heuristic

The process of using an initial piece of information to make subsequent judgments.

Independent Variables

Variables that are manipulated in an experiment to observe their effect on dependent variables.

Dependent Variables

Variables that are measured in an experiment and affected by independent variables.

Confounding Variables

Factors other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.

Internal Validity

The extent to which an experiment accurately establishes a cause-and-effect relationship.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Random Assignment

The process of assigning participants to conditions in a way that ensures each has an equal chance of being assigned.

Backward Conditioning

A type of conditioning where the conditioned stimulus follows the unconditioned stimulus.

Overshadowing

A phenomenon where one stimulus is more prominent and overshadows the learning of another.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a delay.

Biological Preparedness

The idea that certain associations are more easily formed than others due to biological factors.

Garcia Effect

A phenomenon where certain conditioned responses are more readily acquired based on specific stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences like reinforcement or punishment.

Learned Helplessness

A condition in which an animal or human learns to act helpless in a situation where they have a lack of control.