2.2 Thinking and Problem solving

Cognition

Mental process of gaining knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and senses.

Metacognition

Understanding your own thinking.

Concept

Mental category/idea to help us organize and understand the world.

Prototype

Most ideal example of a concept.

Schema

Mental template that helps you make sense of things by organizing information; helps you know what to expect.

Assimilation

Process of fitting new information into your existing understanding.

Accommodation

Process of changing existing ideas to incorporate new information.

Creativity

Ability to generate new ideas.

Convergent Thinking

Problem-solving approach that finds the best solution.

Divergent Thinking

Creative thinking process that generates multiple ideas/solutions.

Executive Functions

Mental processes that help plan and manage tasks to achieve goals.

Algorithm

Step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

Heuristic

Simplified problem-solving strategy.

Insight

Sudden realization.