In-Depth Study Notes from Cognitive Psychology Lecture

Makeup on Canvas

• There is a dedicated study guide available for makeup specifically on canvas that students can refer to for preparation.

Self Analysis Paper

• Reminder: The self analysis paper is an important assignment with three weeks until the due date.
• It is recommended to start early and have the introduction and key sections mostly completed to avoid last-minute rush.
• A personal strategy suggested is to consider the deadline as two weeks away for better time management, giving leeway for unforeseen circumstances.

Cognition Topics Overview

• The course encompasses multiple topics under cognition, including:
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Memory
  • Thinking and Intelligence
  • Concept Learning
  • Language Production
  • Problem Solving
  • Creativity
• Focus for this discussion will be on Problem Solving specifically.

Problem Solving Methods

• Deductive Reasoning: This involves logically deducing conclusions from premises. Example:
  • Premise 1: All humans are vertebrate animals.
  • Premise 2: Taylor Swift is a human.
  • Conclusion: Therefore, Taylor Swift is a vertebrate animal.
• Note: Deductive reasoning can fall victim to logical fallacies; example:
  • Mistaken conclusion: Premise 1 is true, and my dog is a vertebrate animal, leading to the erroneous conclusion that my dog is human.

Deductive Reasoning: Algorithms vs. Heuristics

• Algorithms: An exhaustive step-by-step method that guarantees a solution if followed correctly; Example:
  • Finding a needle in a haystack involves checking each piece of hay systematically.
• Heuristics: These are shortcut methods, no guarantee of solution; Examples include:
  • Using a magnet to find a needle in a haystack (not guaranteed to work).
  • Spreading hay out to find the needle using light reflections.

Insight Problem-Solving Examples

• Insight occurs when a solution suddenly comes to mind without sequential deduction.
  • Example: Rearranging the letters in "new door" yields "one word."
  • Another example: Understanding sentences that contain every letter of the alphabet.

Impediments to Problem Solving

• Functional Fixedness: The inability to think of an object in a new way; Example:
  • If one only sees a textbook as a reading material, they might not consider its other potential uses (e.g., as a step stool).
• Mental Set: Continuing to use established methods even when they might no longer be optimal; Example:
  • Sticking to a long path after a shortcut became available due to previous habit.

Understanding Motivation

• Motivation directs and sustains behavior through needs and goals.
• Needs: These can be primary (biological) or secondary (psychological), driving behavior towards satisfaction.
  • Examples include physiological needs (food, water) and psychological needs (money, achievement).
• Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
  • Levels include:
  1. Physiological Needs (food, shelter)
  2. Safety Needs (security, health)
  3. Love and Belongingness Needs
  4. Esteem Needs (respect, accomplishment)
  5. Self-Actualization (achieving personal potential)

Key Takeaways

• Understanding cognitive processes is essential for effective problem solving.
• Awareness of motivation factors is crucial in maintaining progress in challenging tasks like college.
• Recognizing and overcoming impediments can enhance problem-solving efficiency and effectiveness.