Module 2.2a - Thinking, Problem-solving, judgments, and decision making: Concepts and creativity

4 components of cognition: thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating information

Metacognition: thinking about our thinking

• Improve study habits by understanding and reflecting on what you’re thinking about

Concept: A grouping of several similar ideas, objects, or events that help us understand the world 

• Ex) Stairs and elevators are both used to go from one level to another 

• Simplify cognition because grouping ideas, etc. helps us understand them with little cognitive effort

Prototype: a mental picture or best example of a category

• It helps with forming concepts by assessing whether something fits in with the prototype we have made in our head

Schema: Concepts where we fit in our experiences

• Form the basis of thinking with concepts by going off of our own experiences rather than observations

Reliance on prototypes leads to prejudice/misrepresentations because if something doesn’t fit with the prototype we have in our heads, we recognize that as not fit

• When something doesn’t fit our prototype, we treat it as different when it’s not, or we don’t recognize it as it is which then leads to prejudice and inequality

2 strategies we form and modify schema in our minds

Explains how we can move beyond prejudice and stereotypes based on prototypes by taking new information ( X being nice, funny, good at Y, helpful, etc) and incorporating it into those stereotypes we formed to make a new prototype that doesn’t involve negative outlooks

Creativity: The ability to create new and valuable ideas

Convergent thinking: Coming to one correct answer or conclusion

Ex) Multiple choice tests where one letter is right

Divergent thinking: Considering multiple answers or conclusions 

More involved with creativity

Ex) How I’m going to drive to and from school because they’re multiple routes

Functional Fixedness: when prior experiences slow down the ability to find creative solutions

• This can be resolved by divergent thinking by recognizing multiple routes or possibilities to get something done thus hindering the impact of prior experiences

5 components of creativity

Intelligence and creativity co-mingle to impact one’s ability to successfully solve problems by using acquired and applied knowledge (intelligence) to make connections and look in the broader scope of things (creativity)

How to increase creativity

1. Develop your expertise, Allow time for incubation (come back to a problem after processing it), Set aside time for the mind to roam freely, Experience other cultures and ways of thinking