exam 4 Flashcards
analogical representation
shows characteristics of an actual object. (usually images) ex. maps are analogical representation that correspond to geographical layouts.
symbolic representation
do not have relationships with physical qualities of object. abstract!! (usually words, numbers, or ideas) ex. the word violin stands for a musical instrument.
defining attribute model
concepts characterized by a list of features necessary to determine if an object is in a category. concepts are organized heirarchically.
prototype model
a way of thinking about concepts, best example for that category. when you think of a category, you tend to look for a best example - a prototype for that category.
exemplar model
another way of thinking about concepts, all members are examples - together they form the concept, no single best representation. formed concept based on personal experiences.(for example your representation of a dog is made up of all the dogs you have seen in your life)
categorization
process of assigning concepts to categories. enhances speed of processing/thinking. reduces amount of knowledge we must hold in memory.
Reasoning
the thinking involved in determining whether one proposition logically follows from another. attempts to determine the validity of an argument or idea.
Algorithms
methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem.
heuristics
simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgements and solve problems efficiently. shortcuts used to reduce the amount of thinking that is needed to make decisions - more error prone. SPEED!
deductive reasoning
is from the general to the specific. use logic to draw specific conclusions under certain assumptions. using general premises to draw conclusions about specific instances. If A, then B.
inductive reasoning
is from the specific to the general. determine the validity of a conclusion about a specific instance based of general premises. relies on prior knowledge or memory.
conditional reasoning
valid or invalid inferences from if-then premises
categorical syllogisms
logical arguments containing two premises and a conclusion
confirmation bias
a tendency to be more responsive to evidence that confirms one’s beliefs and less responsive to evidence that challenges one’s beliefs.
script
a schema that directs behavior overtime within a situation. (for example in a script of going to the movies, we expect to buy a ticket, we might buy snacks, an appropriate snack would be popcorn, not caviar, talking is also not acceptable during a movie.)
hindsight bias
when people create after the fact explanations after predicting something incorrectly.
anchoring
in making judgements, people rely on the first piece of information they encounter or on information that comes quickly to mind. (ex. when people were asked if the telephone was invented before 1850, they estimated it was 1870, while the people that were asked if it was invented in 1920, estimated it was 1900)
Framing
a choice by emphasizing potential loss or potential gain can lead to different decisions. (ex. would you take a course where you have 70% chance of passing, or a course where you have 30% chance of failing? Even though these are the same, most people would choose the first course.)
Availability heuristic
The general tendency to make a decision based on the answer that comes most easily to mind. We rely on information that is easy to retrieve. (ex. is r more commonly the first letter in a word or the third? Most people will say the first because it is easier the think of words that start with r.)
Representative heuristic
the tendency to place a person or an object in a category if the person or object is similar to our prototype for that category. (ex. Helena likes working on mathematical puzzles, talking with other people, reading, and gardening. Most people would guess that she is a psychologist than a postal worker because her characteristic seem more representative of psychologists than postal workers.)
