Tutorial 5 - Cognition Flashcards
algorithm - define?
systematic way of finding a solution by exploring all possible solutions (ie. like trial and error)
heuristic - define?
“rule of thumb” - faster way of solving problems, able to use knowledge pre-existing to get an answer faster
availability heuristic?
that which is most available to your memory
ie. buy duracell batteries as you remember the adds of bunny
representativeness heuristic?
judging something based on its similarity to a prototype of something
ie. claire has alot of holistic person characteristics, yoga etc., so we would guess that she’ll become a holistic healer not a teacher
like schemas, but instead of how we view the world its to do with how we make decisions
anchoring heuristic?
the human tendency to accept and rely on, the first piece of information received before making a decision
ie. you see shoes priced at $300, when they go on sale for $150, we are anchored at the original price and so we buy thinking its a good deal
incubation - define?
through the process of not actively thinking about something (having a break) and then returning we are more able to do it (because we have been sub-consciously processing this thing)
this is distinct from the effect of taking a break on focus and attention span etc (i would hope?)
category define?
collections of real or imagined objects and characteristics that share core properties
concept define?
the knowledge you have about a particular category
formal (well defined) category define?
- things in this category have qualities which are essential for membership in this category
- ‘necessary and sufficient conditions’
- ie. the category of a bachelor being a single man
natural category define?
- have qualities that are typical and likely of members, although it isn’t necessary
- ie. the category of a bird
what is a prototype?
an abstraction (based on shared features or functions) across many instances of a category of things
ie. prototype of a vehicle is a car, technically an escalator is also a vehicle, but it isn’t a prototype
process of categorization?
familiarity - similarity to prototype
comparison - with defining features of that category
contrast heuristics vs algorithm?
heuristic - quicker but may get it wrong
algorithm - slower but eventually will get right answer
schemas define?
- complex mental representations of things (very broad)
- easier to remember things using schemas (ie. makes it more economical)
schemas for a certain situation are called…?
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