03- Chap 8 Problem Solving and Intelligence Measurement

These flashcards cover key concepts related to problem-solving strategies, decision-making, intelligence measurement, and cultural influences in cognitive processes.

What are the three types of problems proposed by Greeno?

1. Inducing Structure, 2. Arrangement, 3. Transformation.

What do problems of inducing structure involve?

Discovering the relationship among parts, such as analogies.

What do arrangement problems require?

Rearranging elements to satisfy a specific criterion, like anagrams.

What is an example of a transformation problem?

Carrying out a sequence of transformations to reach a goal, such as the Tower of Hanoi.

What is one barrier to effective problem solving related to irrelevant information?

Focusing on data that does not affect the solution.

Define functional fixedness in problem solving.

Seeing objects only in terms of their usual functions.

What is a mental set in the context of problem solving?

Using past strategies that no longer work.

What are unnecessary constraints in problem solving?

Imposing restrictions on a problem that aren't actually part of it.

What is the trial and error problem-solving strategy?

Trying different possibilities until one works.

What are algorithms in problem solving?

Step-by-step methods that guarantee a solution.

What are heuristics?

Mental shortcuts like forming subgoals or working backward.

What is meant by insight in problem solving?

A sudden realization of a solution.

How do Western cultures typically approach problem solving?

Using analytic cognitive styles that focus on individual objects and rules.

How do Eastern cultures approach problem solving?

Using holistic cognitive styles that focus on context and relationships.

Describe the additive strategy for decision-making.

Lists important attributes, rates each option, and adds up scores to choose the best one.

What is elimination by aspects?

Gradually eliminating options that fail to meet minimum criteria for the most important attribute.

What factors do people typically consider in risky decision-making?

Expected value, subjective utility, and subjective probability.

How can subjective probability be distorted?

By emotion, bias, or experience.

What is the availability heuristic?

Estimating likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind.

What is the representativeness heuristic?

Judging probability based on similarity to a prototype.

What is a common flaw in reasoning regarding decision making?

Overestimating the improbable.

Define loss aversion.

Preferring to avoid losses over acquiring gains.

What is confirmation bias?

Seeking information that supports existing beliefs.

What is hindsight bias?

Believing one 'knew it all along.'

Define overconfidence effect.

Overestimating the accuracy of one’s judgments.

What was Alfred Binet's key contribution to intelligence testing?

Developed the first practical intelligence test to identify students needing special help.

What did Lewis Terman adapt from Binet's work?

He adapted Binet’s test for American use as the Stanford-Binet and introduced the IQ formula.

What is the significance of David Wechsler's tests?

Created tests for adults and children measuring both verbal and nonverbal abilities.

What does an individual's score on a modern intelligence test represent?

How their performance compares to others of the same age group.

How is the reliability of IQ tests described?

They show very high reliability with correlations around .90.

What do IQ tests primarily measure?

Academic and verbal reasoning skills.

Moderately predicting job performance is associated with what factor?

IQ scores.

What do twin studies indicate about genetics and IQ?

Higher IQ correlations for identical twins suggest a strong genetic component.

How do adoption studies contribute to our understanding of IQ?

Adopted children's IQs resemble their biological parents more than adoptive ones.

What is heritability in the context of intelligence?

The proportion of IQ variation due to genetics.

What is the Flynn effect?

The worldwide rise in IQ scores over generations due to environmental improvements.

What is reaction range?

The genetically determined limits for a person's potential IQ.

How do heredity and environment interact to affect intelligence?

Heredity sets the range, while environment determines where within that range a person’s IQ will fall.

What are some proposed explanations for cultural differences in IQ scores?

Socioeconomic factors, educational opportunities, and language bias in testing.

What do studies show about biological indexes of intelligence?

Modest correlations between IQ and factors like brain volume and neuronal efficiency.

What is Sternberg's Triarchic Theory?

Proposes three types of intelligence: analytical, creative, and practical.

What are Gardner's Multiple Intelligences?

At least eight distinct intelligences including linguistic and logical-mathematical.

Who developed the first intelligence test?

Alfred Binet.

What is the purpose of Binet's first intelligence test?

To measure children’s mental age for educational support.

What formula was introduced by William Stern regarding IQ calculations?

IQ = (MA ÷ CA) × 100.

Which psychologist expanded Binet's test for American use?

Lewis Terman.

What began the scientific measurement of intelligence?

Binet's work in developing intelligence testing.

What concepts does this chapter cover?

Problem solving, decision making, intelligence measurement, heredity, and environment in relation to intelligence.

What common barriers to problem solving exist?

Irrelevant information, functional fixedness, mental set, unnecessary constraints.

What are some problem-solving strategies mentioned?

Trial and error, algorithms, heuristics, forming subgoals, changing representation.

Describe the bounded rationality in decision making.

Decisions are often simplified and irrational.

What is a deliberate-without-attention effect?

Complex decisions can be made better with less conscious focus.

What is a key characteristic of the availability heuristic?

Basing estimated probability on how easily relevant instances come to mind.

What is the common error called that involves ignoring base rates?

The conjunction fallacy.

Define overestimating the improbable in decision making.

Exaggerating rare but dramatic events.

What does research say about how brain size can correlate with intelligence?

Moderate correlation between brain size and IQ.

What did Wechsler add to IQ testing?

Verbal, performance, and full-scale IQ assessments.

What is the mean and standard deviation for modern IQ scores?

Mean = 100, SD = 15.

What percentage of people score within ±1 SD of the mean in IQ tests?

68%.

What effect does environmental enrichment have on IQ?

It raises IQ scores compared to those raised in deprived settings.

What is one way children raised in enriched environments perform on IQ tests?

They score higher than those from deprived backgrounds.

How do generational changes in IQ relate to education?

Improvements in education, nutrition, and technology enhance intelligence.

What are schemas in psychology?

Mental structures that help organize knowledge and guide cognitive processes.

What factors do neurotransmitters affect?

Communication within the nervous system and impact on behavior.

What is nature vs. nurture?

The debate over the relative contributions of genetics and environment to human development.

What are the lobes of the brain associated with specific functions?

Frontal (decision making), parietal (sensation), occipital (vision), temporal (hearing).

How do glia cells support neurons?

By providing structural support, nourishment, and protection.

What is the primary function of the pituitary gland?

Regulating hormones and bodily functions.

What is the difference between recall and recognition in memory?

Recall requires retrieval of information, while recognition involves identifying previously encountered information.

How is short-term memory distinguished from long-term memory?

Short-term memory holds information temporarily, while long-term memory stores it more permanently.

What is the function of Broca's area in the brain?

Involved in language production and processing.

Describe the cerebellum's role in the brain.

Coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

What does the corpus callosum connect?

The two hemispheres of the brain.