Thinking (4-6%) Flashcards
What subjects are encompassed in the subject of cognitive psychology?
Thinking, processing, and reasoning
Problem solving, intelligence
(Also language and memory)
What is a “concept”
A relationship between two things
In terms of cognitive psychology what is a hypothesis?
Ideas used to test relationships and form concepts
In terms of cognitive psychology what is a “schema”?
An organized set of knowledge gained from prior experiences.
What did Jean Piaget propose about how concepts interact with schema?
If they fit into the schema they are assimilated into it, if they do not fit into it, then the schema may need to adjust (or accommodate) the schema
In terms of cognitive psychology what is a “script”
An idea about the way events typically unfold
The psychologic term for the general mental image or “platonic ideal” of something is called
a prototype or representative
Thinking about thinking is referred to as
Metacognition
What is the “problem space”
The sum total of possible moves one might make in order to solve a problem
What are “algorithims”
Problem solving strategies that consider every possible solution and eventually hit on the correct solution.
What is the downside of using an algorithm?
They can be time consuming for humans to use.
Instead of using algorithms most humans rely instead of…
Heuristics
What defines a heuristic
A problem solving strategy that uses rules of thumb or short-cuts based on what has worked in the past
What are some ways people solve problems?
Heuristics
Trial and Error
Algorithims
Insight
What is insight when it comes to problem solving?
Gaining a new perspective on an old problem
Who developed computer simulation models that are designed to solve problems as humans do?
Allen Newell and Herbert Simon
What is the mental process that occurs between stimulus and response
Mediation
What is the benefit of mental mediation in problem solving?
A reminder of what to do or how to respond based on available ideas or past learning
What were two early computer simulation models of human problem solving? (learn more)
logic theorist
general problem solver
What are obstacles to problem solving?
1) Functional fixedness
2) Atmosphere effect
3) Semantic Effect
4) Confirmation bias
What is functional fixedness?
People developing closed minds about what certain objects can or should be used for
What is the atmosphere effect?
Drawing conclusions based on how information is phrased
What is the semantic effect
Base conclusions based on what you think is correct rather than logical deductions based on available information.
What is confirmation bias?
Choosing to remember and use information that confirms what you already think.
Who first defined convergent and divergent thinking?
J P Guilford
In a group what often leads to divergent thinking?
The presence of a dissenter
When is convergent thinking vs. divergent thinking appropriate?
Convergent - when you need to get to a single solution to a problem
Divergent - when there are multiple possible solutions
What does deductive reasoning entail?
Coming to a specific conclusion that results from the information provided
What does inductive reasoning entail?
Creating general rules inferred from specifics (is this creating schema?)
What defines decision making?
Working on solving a problem until an acceptable solution is found
How are solutions reached in decision making?
Using reasoning or emotion based on assumption(s) which may be rational or irrational
What is the concept of loss aversion?
People are more likely to take risks when they are afraid of losing.
What does utility theory state?
People make choices based on their personal preferences
What is the difference between the availability and representativeness heuristics?
Availability heuristic is when you make decisions based on how likely you are to think of a specific example compared to reality, the representativeness heuristic (may be a kind of availability heuristic?) in which we make assumptions based on our prototypes/representatives to make decisions.
Reaction time is also known as
Latency
Latency in information processing is also known as
Reaction time
Reaction time ___ with age
Declines significantly
Who came up with parallel distributive processing?
Allan Collins and Ross Quillian
What is another name for parallel distributive processing
Connectionism
What is another name for connectionism?
parallel distributive processing
Does it take longer to make associations between pictures or words?
Pictures
The implicit bias test takes advantage of THIS to investigate subconscious cognitive relationships.
How semantic priming decreases reaction time.
If the word RED is typed in YELLOW why is it harder to name the color of the ink it is printed in?
The Stroop effect
Data-driven processing is what kind of processing?
Bottom-up processing
What are saccades?
When eyes move from one fixation point to another
Mike might be able to tell Cyndie is reading by looking at her eyes for signs of…
saccades (rapid movements from one fixation point to another.)
Observations that can indicate information processing while reading is by…
Eye movements and gaze direction
Intelligence is generally agreed to mean…
the capacity to use knowledge to improve achievement in an environment.
What is a mental set?
A preconceived notion of how to look at a problem
