Module 8: COGNITION Flashcards
Mental Images
Picture-like representation of object and events.
Concept
Idea that represents the category of objects, events, or activities
Example:
Superordinate concept - FRUIT
Basic level type - APPLE
Subordinate concept - MCINTOSH APPLE
Formal Concepts
Defined by specific rules or features
Natural concept
Form as a result of real-world experience (fuzziness)
Prototype
Example of a concept that closely matches that defining characteristics of a concept
Problem solving
Cognition used to reach goals by thinking/behaving in certain ways
Trial and Error
One possible solution after another is tried until successful
Algorithms
Specific steps for solving certain problems
Heuristic
Guess based on experience (“rule of thumb”)
● Availability
● Representative
● Mean-end analysis
Insight
The sudden perception of a solution to a problem (“Aha!” moment)
Confirmation bias
Search for evidence that fits belief while ignoring evidence not fitting belief
Mental set
Persist in using past problem-solving patterns
Functional Fixedness
Thinking about only most typical functions of objects
Covergent
All lines of problem solving lead to single answer
Divergent
From one point to many ideas or possibilities
Intelligence
Ability to learn from experience, acquire knowledge and adapt
G factors
General intelligence
S factor
Specific Intelligence
Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence
- Verbal-linguistic
- Musical
- Logical-mathematical
- Visual-spatial
- Movement
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
- Naturalist
- Existentialist
Sternburg’s Triarchic Theory
Analytical: Break problems down into component
Practical: Use information for success in life
Creative: Dial with novel problems in new ways
Stanford-Binet IQ Test
● Administration to groups of children
● Measure various intellectual skills
● MA/CA:
IQ = MA/CA x 100
● IQ scores: Compare across age groups
● Today: Age-group comparison norms
The Wechsler Test
Yield four index scores derived from both verbal and nonverbal subtests and an overall score of intelligence
Validity
Degree to which test measure what it’s supposed to measure
Reliability
Tendency of test of yield same results given same condition
Standardization
Process of giving the test to a large group of people that represents the kind of people for whom the test is designed
IQ Test and Cultural Bias
● IQ tests often criticized for being
culturally biased
● Questions/answers may relate to
test creators’ own experiences,
not to those of people of other
cultures, backgrounds,
socioeconomic levels
● Designers striving to create culturally fair tests
