NG

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.