Thinking and Intelligence

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of cognition, problem solving, decision-making, creativity, theories of intelligence, IQ testing, and emotional and social intelligence.

Cognition

All mental activities associated with acquiring, storing, retrieving, and using knowledge.

Concept Formation

Grouping information into categories or schemas to understand the world.

Prototype

The most typical or average example of a concept.

Cognitive Processes

Mental activities that help us interpret, analyze, and respond to environmental stimuli.

Concepts

Mental groupings of similar objects, ideas, or experiences that help organize information and simplify thinking.

Prototype Theory

The theory that a prototype is the most typical or average example of a concept, influenced by culture, experience, and exposure.

Problem Solving

The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues, which in psychology involves identifying a goal and taking steps to achieve it.

Trial and Error

A problem-solving strategy that involves trying different solutions until something works.

Algorithm

A step-by-step, logical rule or procedure that guarantees a solution to a problem.

Heuristic

A mental shortcut or "rule of thumb" that helps simplify decision-making.

Insight

A sudden realization of a problem's solution, often called an "Aha!" moment.

Mental Set

The tendency to approach problems in a familiar way, even when a new way might be better.

Functional Fixedness

The inability to see an object as useful for something other than its traditional use.

Decision Making

The process of choosing between alternatives based on preferences, information, and possible outcomes.

Availability Heuristic

A decision-making shortcut where choices are made based on how easily relevant information comes to mind.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging a situation based on how similar it is to a prototype.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out or interpret information in a way that confirms existing beliefs.

Anchoring Bias

Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when making decisions.

Hindsight Bias

The belief that one "knew it all along" after an outcome is already known.

Overconfidence Bias

The cognitive bias of overestimating one's own knowledge or ability.

Creativity

The ability to generate, create, or discover new ideas, solutions, and possibilities that are novel, useful, and valuable.

Divergent Thinking

The cognitive process of exploring many possible solutions and encouraging open-ended thinking.

Convergent Thinking

The cognitive process of narrowing down options to find the single best solution.

Originality

A trait of creative thinkers defined as producing ideas that are novel or unique.

Fluency

A trait of creative thinkers defined as the ability to produce many ideas.

Flexibility

A trait of creative thinkers defined as thinking in varied ways or from different perspectives.

Elaboration

A trait of creative thinkers involving building on an idea by adding detail or complexity.

Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking

Standardized creative tasks used by psychologists to measure creativity.

Intelligence

The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, encompassing reasoning, problem-solving, learning, memory, and adapting to new situations.

g factor

Charles Spearman's proposed general intelligence factor that underlies all cognitive abilities.

Fluid Intelligence

Raymond Cattell's concept describing the ability to solve new problems without prior knowledge, which peaks in young adulthood.

Crystallized Intelligence

Raymond Cattell's concept describing accumulated knowledge and verbal skills, which grows with age.

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner's theory proposing eight independent intelligences rather than a single general intelligence factor.

Linguistic Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, sensitivity to spoken and written language.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the ability to analyze problems logically and perform mathematical operations.

Spatial Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the capacity to think in three dimensions.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the ability to use one's body to express oneself or solve problems.

Musical Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, skill in performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns.

Interpersonal Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the ability to understand and interact effectively with others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the ability to understand one's own emotions and motivations.

Naturalistic Intelligence

In Howard Gardner's theory, the ability to recognize and categorize aspects of the natural world.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Robert Sternberg's theory proposing three types of intelligence: analytical, creative, and practical.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A quantitative measure of intelligence originally calculated using the formula $\text{IQ} = \frac{\text{Mental Age}}{\text{Chronological Age}} \times 100$.

Mental Age

A concept introduced by Alfred Binet representing the level of performance typically associated with a certain chronological age.

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Lewis Terman's adaptation of Alfred Binet's intelligence test for American use.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

A modern standardized intelligence test designed to measure cognitive abilities in adults.

Reliability

The consistency of test results over time.

Validity

Whether a test actually measures what it claims to measure.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The capacity to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in ourselves and others.

Social Intelligence

The ability to navigate complex social environments and build positive relationships.