Chapter 7_Thinking and Intelligence STUDENT

Chapter 7: Thinking and Intelligence

Overview

• Exploration of thinking processes and intelligence

• Key questions addressed:

  • Do we ever make truly rational decisions?

  • What influences our problem-solving abilities?

  • Definitions and measurements of intelligence

  • The impact of language on thought processes and vice versa

Page 1: Introduction to Chapter 7

Key Themes

• Decision making and problem-solving processes

• Understanding and measuring intelligence

• The role of language in decision making

Page 2: Setting the Scene

Location Reference

• Black Forest, Germany

Page 3: Core Questions

• Do we ever make rational decisions?

• Factors affecting problem-solving unbeknownst to us

• What constitutes intelligence and its measurement criteria for educational programs?

• Relationship between language and thinking

Page 4: Roadmap

• Problem-Solving and Decision Making:

  • Mechanisms and failure points

• Intelligence:

  • Theoretical frameworks and measurement methods

• Language:

  • Basic concepts influencing decision making

  • Practical applications of cognitive science

Page 5: Cognition Studies

• Focus on cognition:

  • Nature of thought processes

  • Variability in thinking abilities among individuals

Page 6: Mental Imagery

Definition

• Mental representations resembling physical objects/events

• Assistance in memory retention and skill acquisition

Page 7: Understanding Concepts

Concepts Defined

• Ideas representing categories/sets of objects or events sharing traits

  • Essential features enable identification of similar instances (e.g., recognizing a new breed of dog)

Page 8: Types of Concepts

Formal Concepts

• Defined by rigid rules learned primarily in educational settings

  • Example: Properties of a square

Natural Concepts

• Created from personal experiences without strict definitions

  • Example: General categories like birds, fruits

Page 9: Prototypes

Definition

• Exemplars that closely fit the defining traits of a category

• Development influenced by:

  • Exposure to category objects

  • Individual knowledge

  • Cultural background

Page 10: Problem Solving vs. Decision Making

• Decision Making:

  • Choosing between options

• Problem Solving:

  • Cognitive processes for addressing challenges

Page 11: Methods in Problem Solving

Mechanical Solution

• Repeated trial and error until success

Algorithms

• Specific, linear procedures ensuring correct outcomes (e.g., mathematical formulas)

Page 12: Interactive Problem Solving Example

Scenario

• Three men with weight limits must strategize crossing a river with a small boat

• Requires multiple trips to achieve the goal

Page 13: Heuristic Approaches

Definition

• Educated guesses reducing problem solutions' complexity

• Often quick cognitive shortcuts to reach conclusions

Page 14: Representativeness Heuristic

Explanation

• Judging events based on how much they resemble typical examples

• Caveat: Use probability over stereotypes (e.g., elderly women perceived as kind)

Page 15: Availability Heuristic

Explanation

• Estimating likelihood based on recall ease from memory

• Recently salient topics may dominate thought processes

Page 16: Example of Misjudged Risk

• Flu vs. shark attack fatality rates to illustrate how availability heuristic shapes perception

Page 17: Insights in Problem Solving

• 'A-ha!' moments leading to sudden realizations or solutions

Page 18-19: Additional Insightful Examples

Page 20: Geometric Problem Challenge

• Task to create 4 equilateral triangles

Page 21-22: Barriers to Effective Problem Solving

Functional Fixedness

• Limiting thinking to conventional uses of objects

Mental Set

• Reliance on previously successful patterns despite new circumstances

Page 23: Confirmation Bias

• Favoring information confirming existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence

  • Example: Views on horoscopes and vaccination misconceptions

Page 24: Creativity Defined

• Ability to generate unique and valuable ideas

Types of Thinking

• Convergent Thinking:

  • Directs thought toward a single solution

• Divergent Thinking:

  • Expands from one idea toward multiple innovative outcomes

Page 25: Intelligence Overview

Definition of Intelligence

• Capacity to learn from experiences, gain knowledge, and apply resources effectively

  • Contrast with physical measurement (e.g., temperature)

Page 26: Theoretical Perspectives

Spearman’s Theory

• General Intelligence (g): Reasoning and problem-solving capability

• Specific Intelligence (s): Proficiency in particular areas

Page 27: Beyond g - Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Fluid Intelligence

• Natural problem-solving ability, influenced minimally by experience

Crystallized Intelligence

• Knowledge and skills gained through experience (e.g., vocabulary)

Page 28: Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

• Including but not limited to:

  • Linguistic, Musical, Logical, Visual/Spatial

• Consideration of whether abilities like athletic prowess qualify as intelligences

Page 29: Gardner’s Nine Intelligences Table

Page 30: Critique of Multiple Intelligences

• Discussion on implications of broadening intelligence definition

• Debate on selecting appropriate capabilities as intelligences

Page 31: Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

Types of Intelligence

1. Analytical: Problem breakdown and evaluation skills

2. Creative: Adaptive problem-solving with new concepts

3. Practical: Utilizing information in real-world situations (street smarts)

Page 32: Emotional Intelligence

• Ability to process and utilize emotional information

Components of Emotional Intelligence

• Perception, understanding, expression, and utilization of emotions

Page 33: Intelligence Testing

Quality of Tests

• Reliability: Consistent scores over time

• Validity: Accurate measurement of intended constructs

Page 34: Testing Examples

• Examples of IQ test items and logical reasoning questions

Page 35: IQ Definition and Historical Context

• IQ: Intelligence Quotient

• Developed by Binet and Simon to assist educational placement

Page 36: Calculation of IQ

• Initial formula: IQ = (Mental Age / Chronological Age) x 100

• Average IQ defined where these ages equal each other

Page 37: Contemporary understanding of IQ

Score Distribution

• Current perspective: IQ scores represent a bell curve

• Normal IQ range typically centers around 100

Page 38: Interpretation of IQ Scores

• Meaning of various IQ thresholds

• Significant impairment below 70; giftedness above 130

Page 39: Critiques of IQ Testing

• Limitations of IQ tests in predicting success

• Importance of environmental factors in performance evaluation

Page 40: Long-Term IQ Reliability

• Stability of IQ scores over time

Page 41: The Flynn Effect

• Observed increase in intelligence scores over recent decades

• Implications for education and assessment practices

Page 42: Language Component

Definition

• An open, symbolic communication system following grammatical rules

• Flexibility and abstraction of language highlighted

Page 43: Aspects of Language

• Phonology, semantics, syntax, pragmatics categories

Page 44: Phonology

Definition

• Sound structure used to create words

Phonemes

• Basic units of sound across languages

• Variability in sound recognition diminishes with age

Page 45: Morphemes

• Smallest meaningful units of language (e.g., "previewed")

Page 46: Grammar

• Rules governing semantics (meaning) and syntax (structure)

Page 47: Semantics

Definition

• Rules governing meaning of language in context

• Effective communication hinges on accurate semantic application

Page 48: Syntax

Definition

• Rules for organizing words into coherent sentences

• Example differences between languages illustrated

Page 49: Pragmatics

Definition

• Contextual language use and social communication norms

Page 50: Interconnection of Language and Thinking

Theoretical Models

• Vygotsky: Language shapes thought

• Piaget: Thought development impacts language

Page 51: Neuropsychology Overview

Definition

• Study of brain-behavior relationships focusing on cognitive functions

Page 52: Neuropsychological Assessment

Domains Assessed

• Intelligence, language, memory, decision-making capabilities

Chapter 7: Thinking and IntelligenceOverview of thinking processes and intelligence, addressing key questions such as rational decision-making, factors influencing problem-solving, definitions and measurements of intelligence, and the impact of language on thought.Key Themes:

• Decision making and problem-solving

• Understanding and measuring intelligence

• Role of language in decision makingCognition focuses on the variability of thought processes and abilities among individuals. Concepts are categorized into formal (defined by rules) and natural (based on personal experiences). Problem-solving methods include mechanical solutions, algorithms, and heuristics.Different types of intelligence are proposed, including Spearman’s General Intelligence and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences (e.g., linguistic, logical-mathematical). Emotional intelligence focuses on emotional processing skills.IQ tests assess intelligence reliability and validity, illustrating the significance of environmental factors. The Flynn Effect notes an observed rise in IQ scores over time, and the relationship between language and thought is explored through various theoretical models.