Thinking Lecture Flashcards
What does cognition involve?
Processing sensory information, memories, expectations, and evaluating, organizing, storing, and communicating information.
What are the components of cognition?
Perception, Memory, Language, Processing Speed, Memory Capacity, Learning Process, Application of Knowledge, Metacognition.
Define Perception in the context of cognition.
Involves Gestalt principles, perceptual tendencies, biases.
What is the role of Memory in cognition?
It includes short-term, sensory, and long-term memory systems.
Explain the concept of Processing Speed in thinking components.
Analogous to computer processing; how quickly neurons transfer information.
What is Metacognition?
It’s thinking about thinking, self-awareness.
Describe Problem Solving in cognition.
Goal-oriented, not always an obvious solution; involves strategic thinking, considering options, step-by-step evaluation.
Define Algorithmic Reasoning.
Systematic problem-solving strategy with a guaranteed solution.
Give an example of Deductive Reasoning.
Deriving valid conclusions from true premises.
What is Trial and Error in problem-solving?
Systematic but less pleasant; viable in scenarios with few options.
Explain the Yes/No Questioning method in problem-solving.
Effective for narrowing options through careful, systematic questions.
What is the Recipe Method in problem-solving?
Following systematic rules for a guaranteed outcome.
How does Informal Reasoning differ from Formal Reasoning?
It represents a diverse set of problem-solving approaches and is not as systematic as formal reasoning, not guaranteeing a solution.
What is Heuristics in Informal Reasoning?
Mental shortcuts to simplify complex problems.
Explain the Rule of Thumb Heuristic.
A typical course of action for a given type of problem, based on past experiences and perceived effectiveness.
What is Sub Goal Analysis Heuristic?
It breaks down complex tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks and solves each subtask individually for the overall solution.
Define Scaffolding in the context of Informal Reasoning.
Similar to sub goal analysis but involves an expert breaking down the task.
What is the Availability Heuristic?
Relies on easily available information in memory.
How does the Representative Heuristic work?
Decision based on similarity to a prototype or mental representation.
What does Ignoring Base Rates mean in decision-making?
It neglects statistical probabilities or base rates.
What is Thin Slicing in Informal Reasoning?
Forming quick impressions and judgments based on brief observations.
Define Affective Bias.
Influence on thinking and decision-making by feelings or current moods.
Explain the concept of Cognitive Dissonance.
It explains reconciling actions with self-beliefs through reinterpretation.
What is Automaticity in Psychology?
It occurs when thoughts, decisions, and behaviors happen outside conscious awareness, often influenced by innate reactions or learned patterns.
