Cognition: thinking

Question 1

concept

Answer 1

a mental group to sort things into. some are based on rules+definitions, some are based on prototypes (the best example of the item)

Question 2

algorithm

Answer 2

a procedure that, when correctly used, always works (ex. recipe)
pros: gets you where you need to go
cons: tedious

Question 3

heuristic

Answer 3

general rule that usually will help you find the answer/a shortcut
pros: shorter
cons: possibly inaccurate

Question 4

availability heuristic

Answer 4

choosing based on how easily you can think of examples

Question 5

representative heuristic

Answer 5

use a rule from what you expect (stereotypes)

Question 6

insight

Answer 6

suddenly solved with a realization
pros: no work required
cons: can’t tell if you’re “getting warmer”, unpredictable

Question 7

mental set

Answer 7

solving problems the same way again and again

Question 8

confirmation bias

Answer 8

we look for evidence to support what we already believe

Question 9

functional fixedness

Answer 9

inability to see objects as something other than in terms of primary use

Question 10

overconfidence

Answer 10

we believe our choices are right, even if they’re not

Question 11

framing effect

Answer 11

wording affects decision making

Question 12

convergent thinking

Answer 12

thoughts are limited to the available facts and established norms

Question 13

divergent thinking

Answer 13

using new +different leads to solve a problem (like with brain teasers)

Question 14

confirmation bias

Answer 14

a tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence.

Question 15

belief perseverance

Answer 15

clinging to one’s initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited