Thinking, Problem-Solving, Creativity

Creativity

the ability to produce novel/new and valuable ideas

Convergent Thinking

narrows the available problem solutions to

determine the single best solution

ex. If a copy machine breaks, a convergent thinker would follow a logical process to find a single solution, such as calling a technician directly.

Divergent Thinking

expanding the number of possible problem solutions; creative thinking that diverges in different directions

ex. A teacher asking students to list all the possible uses for a brick, or encouraging them to write a story from the perspective of an inanimate object.

Algorithm

A methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem.

ex. quadradic formula

Heuristic

a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; usually speedier but also more error-prone than algorithms (a rule-of-thumb).

Insight Learning

The process of mentally working through a problem until the sudden realization of a solution occurs ("aha!" moment).

Confirmation Bias

a tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence

Mental Set

a tendency to approach a problem in one particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past.

Intuition

an effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thought, as contrasted with explicit, conscious reasoning

Availability Heuristic

estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind (perhaps because of their vividness), we presume such events are common

ex. Fearing a plane crash more than a car crash. Because plane crashes receive more media coverage, they are more easily recalled, making them seem more common and dangerous than they statistically are, despite car accidents being far more frequent.

Representativeness Heuristic

judging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes; may lead us to ignore other relevant information.

ex. assuming someone is an accountant because they are quiet and wear glasses

Overconfidence

a cognitive bias where individuals overestimate their abilities, knowledge, or the accuracy of their beliefs

Belief Perserverance

tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them

Framing

the way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can significantly affect decisions and judgments.

ex. 50% lean meat vs 50% fat meat (one seems healthier)

Elaborative Rehearsal

A memory technique that involves thinking about the meaning of the term to be remembered (especially connecting it to things you already know), as opposed to simply repeating the word to yourself over and over.

Maintenance Rehearsal

A system for remembering involving repeating information to oneself without attempting to find meaning in it

ex. repeating a phone number over and