Ch 10 Thinking + Intelligence

Schema

A set of expectations about objects and situations.

Use of information to meet a specific goal

Problem Solving

Problem solving steps

1. Understand the problem

2. Make a plan

3. Execute the plan

4. Reflect

Algorithms

Precise, step-by-step rules for reaching a certain solution

Heuristics

A shortcut to problem solving.

• not guaranteed to reach a solution

Recognition heuristic

Predicts people place a higher value on a solution they already recognize

Availability heuristic

basing the probability of an event on how easily relevant instances come to mind

Representative heuristic

basing the probability of an event on its similarity to the typical prototype

Affect heuristic

solutions chosen based on emotional feelings or gut instinct

Orbitofrontal cortex

linked to pleasure and pain situations

• deciding to study produces immediate “pain” but also promises the future pleasure of obtaining an interesting job and making money

Anterior cingulate cortex

Involved in complex, social decision-making

Language

system to communicate thoughts and feelings through arbitrary signals

• includes gestures, voice sounds, and written symbols

Aphasia

Loss of ability to speak or understand language

Intelligence

ability to:

• understand complex ideas

• adapt to environment

• learn from experience

• reason

• overcome obstacles

Crystallized intelligence

ability to think logically using prior specific knowledge

Fluid intelligence

ability to think logically without needing previously learned knowledge

Emotional intelligence

allows people to manage emotions and reason about the mental states of others

Heritability and intelligence

75% of the variance in intelligence observed in the population can be attributed to genetics

• Does NOT mean that 75% of the person’s intelligence is because of genetics!