Thinking Flashcards
Convergent thinking
Type of thinking used to find the one solution to a problem, like a math problem
Divergent thinking
Type of thinking used when more than one possibility exists in a situation, like chess or creative thinking
JP Guilford
defined convergent and divergent thinking
Functional fixedness
Idea that people develop closed minds about the functions of certain objects
Algorithms
Problem solving strategies that consider every possible solution and eventually hit on the correct solution; time consuming
Heuristics
Problem-solving strategies that use rule of thumb or shortcuts based on what has worked in the past. Cannot guarantee a solution but is faster than an algorithm
Mediation
Intervening mental process that occurs between stimulus and response. Reminds us what to do or how to respond based on ideas or past learning
Allen Newell and Herbert Simon
Introduced first computer simulation model designed to solve problems as humans do. V1 called logic theorist, V2 called general problem solver
Deductive reasoning
leads to a specific conclusion that must follow given the information provided
Inductive reasoning
Leads to general rules that are inferred from specifics
Atmosphere effect
When a conclusion is influenced by the way information is presented
Semantic effect
Believing a conclusion based on what you think is correct rather than based on logic from given information
Confirmation bias
Remembering and using information that confirms what you already think
Elizabeth Loftus and Allan Collins
People have heirarchical semantic networks that group together related items in memory. When items are closely related, they are located closer in the heirarchy, and can be quickly linked together
Allan Collins and Ross Quillian
Parallel Distributive Processing/Connectionism– people determine relationship between two items by searching cognitive semantic heirarchy
Bottom-Up processing
Recognizing an item or pattern from data or details (Data driven)
Top down processing
Opposed to bottom-up; driven by larger concepts not data
Automatic processing
task is done effortlessly because it’s subsumed under a higher organization process
Saccades
Eye movements from one fixation point to another
James-Lange Theory of Emotion
Physiological, bodily reaction to situations comes first and causes emotions. We feel scared because we are trembling
Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
AKA Emergency theory. Emotions and bodily reactions occur simultaneously.
Schachter-Singer theory of emotion
AKA Cognitive theory. Similar to James Lange in that emotions are the product of physiological reactions. But mental processes are in the middle. Physiological state–>mental interpretation–>emotion. Ex. We tremble in a situation and then feel either fear or anger depending on situational cues
