Cognition

Question 1

Mental model providing a framework to organize and interpret new information

Answer 1

Schema

Question 2

Taking in new information and experiences into our current schema

Answer 2

assimilation

Question 3

Adjusting a schema to account for new information or experiences

Answer 3

accomodation

Question 4

Repeated attempts at solving a problem without a systematic approach
Inefficient method

Answer 4

trial and error

Question 5

Systemic approach to problem solving, relying on a logical step-by-step procedure to test solutions
Guaranteed to produce a solution, but may be slow

Answer 5

algorithm

Question 6

Simple rules of thumb, acting as mental shortcuts, that help solve problems that are complex or with incomplete information

Answer 6

Heuristics

Question 7

Identification of the differences between current state and goal state,
Type of heuristic method

Answer 7

Means-end analysis

Question 8

Problem solving strategy whereby you start with the goal state and work backwards to the current state

Answer 8

working backwards

Question 9

Problem solving relying on instinctive feelings
Prone to high rate of error

Answer 9

intuition

Question 10

Inability to view a new perspective in problem solving

Answer 10

fixation

Question 11

Mental shortcut relying on quickly accessible information and examples that come to mind

Answer 11

Availability heuristic

Example: We are more likely to be fearful of a heart attack if we know someone who has experienced a heart attack

Question 12

Mental shortcut where decisions and judgments are based on comparing a situation to a mental prototype

Answer 12

Representativeness heuristic

Example: To decide whether a stranger is a premed, we compare their characteristics to our mental stereotype of a premed

Question 13

Erroneous assumption that multiple specific conditions are more probable than a single condition

Answer 13

Conjunction fallacy

Example: Research subjects choose the statement “Linda is a bank teller and active feminist” as being more likely than “Linda is a bank teller”
Prone to occur under representativeness heuristic

Question 14

Persistently maintaining a belief despite evidence or facts to the contrary

Answer 14

Belief perseverance

Question 15

Decisions are influenced based on how options are presented, either with positive or negative connotations

Answer 15

Framing effect

Example: Viewing glass as half-empty versus half-full

Question 16

Perceiving objects as useful only in their typical functions, rather than beyond their intended use

Answer 16

Functional fixedness

Example: Thinking a pickle jar can only be used to store pickles, and buying a different jar to store sugar

Question 17

Tendency to use old methods and solutions that worked in the past, but may not be appropriate for novel problems

Answer 17

mental set

Example: A student tries to study the MCAT by only reading the textbook instead of using Memm, because textbook is what they used in school

Question 18

Tendency to search for or more heavily value information that supports one’s prior beliefs
Also disregard of information that refutes one’s beliefs

Answer 18

Confirmation bias

Question 19

Four stages of cognitive development in children (piaget)

Answer 19

Mnemonic: Some People Can Fly to(2) 7/11

Question 20

Single form of general intelligence (G factor) summarizes intelligence in multiple areas

Answer 20

Theory of general intelligence

Charles Spearman

Question 21

7 factors of intelligence: word fluency, verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, perceptual speed, numerical ability, inductive reasoning, and memory

Answer 21

Theory of primary mental abilities

LL Thurnstone

Question 22

Expanded to 9 independent factors of intelligence: logical-mathematical, verbal-linguistic, spatial-visual, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, naturalist, existential. Different people have different strengths

Answer 22

Theory of multiple intelligence

Howard Gardner

Question 23

Revamped to 3 independent intelligences based on real world success: analytical, creative, and practical

Answer 23

Triarchic theory of intelligence

Robert Sternberg

Question 24

The ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, both for ourselves and others

Answer 24

emotional intelligence

Question 25

The ability to reason quickly and abstractly about new problems
This type of intelligence comes into play when there are no previous experiences to draw from

Answer 25

fluid intelligence

Example: Learning to use an app for the first time

Question 26

The ability to utilize and apply knowledge/experience

Answer 26

Crystallized intelligence

Example: Taking the MCAT

Question 27

Ability is a fixed, innate quality
“Failure means this is as far as I can go”

Answer 27

fixed mindset

Question 28

Ability is developed through hard work and dedication
“Failure is an opportunity to grow”

Answer 28

growth mindset

Question 29

Human ability and intelligence are hereditary

Answer 29

Galton’s idea of hereditary genius

Question 30

How an individual performs intellectually compared to the average intellectual performance at that physical age

Answer 30

Binet’s idea of mental age

Example: A child genius may be 5 years old physically, but have the mental age of a 13-year-old

Question 31

Cognitive abilities that decline with age

Answer 31

Recall, episodic memory, processing speed, divided attention
“Memory and processing power” get slower with age

Question 32

Cognitive abilities that remain stable with age

Answer 32

Implicit memory (e.g. riding a bike), recognition memory (e.g. recognizing people)

Question 33

Cognitive abilities that improve with age

Answer 33

Semantic memory (e.g. understanding concepts), crystallized intelligence, emotional reasoning
“Older and wiser”