Introduction to Thinking and Problem Solving Flashcards
What is Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Psychology is the study of mental processes; studying what goes on inside our head.
What are Concepts
Concepts “organizations” are mental groupings of similar subjects, people, ideas, or events. Concepts are like a list. Category hierarchies are formed from concepts.
What is Metacognition
Metacognition is when we think about thinking, being aware and in control of our thinking. Example: reflecting on past decisions.
What is a Prototype
A prototype is the first thing we think of, it is the first thing that comes to our head as an idea or example.
What are the Types of Thinking
- Convergent Thinking (using logic)
2. Divergent Thinking (using imagination)
What is Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is a type of thinking that focuses on coming up with a single well established solution to a problem. (limits creativity)
What is Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is a type of thinking that focuses on finding multiple solutions to a problem (creativity)
What is Problem Solving
Problem solving is coming up with different ideas and solutions to problems
What are the Different Problem Solving Strategies
- Trial and error
- Algorithms
- Heuristics
- Insights
- In addition (Wolf gang Kohler)
What is Trial and Error
Trial and error is when you try different solutions to a problem and rule out the ones that don’t work.
What are Algorithms
Algorithms are step by step procedures that provide the solution to a problem, it is time consuming but effective.
What are Heuristics
Heuristics (rules of thumb) is an educated guess based on your prior experience, this helps narrow down the possible solutions to a problem. it is simple, fast, and low effort.
Type of Heuristics
- Representativeness Heuristics
2. Avability
Type of Heuristics
- Representativeness Heuristics
2. Availability Heuristics
What is Representativeness Heuristics
Representativeness heuristics is comparing a present situation to the most representative or similar mental prototype. Comparing mental prototypes to an event or problem to find likelihood.
Availability Heuristics
Availability heuristics is making decisions based on information that springs up in our head
What is an insight
Insight (ah-ha moments) is a sudden realization of the solution to a problem, processes that lead to insights happen outside awareness.
What is the Wolfgang Kohler experiment about
This experiment talks about how chimpanzees tried to get some bananas out of reach, but after a while, they got an insight and solved their problem
What are the Obstacles to Problem Solving
- Mental Set
- Functional Fixedness
- Confirmation Bias
- Belief Perseverance
- Overconfidence
- Hindsight Bias
- Framing
- Anchoring Effect
What does Mental Set Mean
A mental set is the tendency to use solutions from the past to solve problems instead of coming up with new ideas for solutions. Rigid thinking.
What is Functional Fixedness
Functional Fixedness is the tendency to view solutions in their customary manner. Somewhat like thinking in the box
What is Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for information that supports your beliefs, this could cause you to miss contradicting information.
What is Belief Perseverance
Belief perseverance (denial) is when you hold onto beliefs even though evidence proves you wrong
What is Overconfidence
Overconfidence is when you overestimate your knowledge, skill, or judgment.
What is Hindsight Bias
Hindsight bias (i knew it all along) is when people view events as more predictable than they actually are.
What is Framing
Framing (cognitive bias) is the way you present or pose an issue or question
What is the Anchoring Effect
Anchoring effect (cognitive bias) is when you favor the first piece of information you hear or receive.
