Thinking and Intelligence Flashcards
Concept (definition)
A mental category that groups objects, activities, or qualities with common properties
Prototype (definition)
An especially representative example of a concept (there are degrees!)
How does language affect cognition in example of “the key” (German vs. Spanish)
In German, a key is masculine. Described more as hard, heavy, useful, etc.
In Spanish, key is feminine. Described more as lovely, shiny, golden, little, etc.
Gender stereotypes are deeply ingrained.
Cognitive Schema
Mental frameworks for describing and thinking about aspects of the world. (eg. gender schemas)
Subconscious vs. nonconscious
Subconscious: mental processes outside of awareness, but accessible to consciousness when necessary.
Nonconscious: Mental processes that remain outside of awareness and cannot be brought back. (eg. implicit learning)
Multitasking
really is task switching. Alternating between tasks that require attention.
Implicit learning
Learning without being aware of how you learned it and what exactly you learned.
Algorithms
Step-by-step problem solving strategy that produces a solution even when not understanding how it works. (eg. quadratic formula)
Heuristic
A rule of thumb but does not guarantee optimal solution
Formal vs. Informal reasoning
Formal: directions are clear, one single right answer.
Informal: No clearly correct solution. Maybe multiple solutions.
Dialectical reasoning
Weigh opposing facts to determine best solution after resolving differences.
Affect heuristic
Tendency to consult emotions rather than objective probability to judge a situation.
Availability Heuristic
tendency to judge probability based on how easy it is to think of an example
Framing effect
tendency for choices to be affected by how they are presented or framed. (eg. frame in terms of losses = more risk aversion)
Fairness bias
Tendency to desire fairness even if irrational or against economic gain (ultimatum game examples)
