Unit 6 - Cognition

Question 1

concepts

Answer 1

mental groupings of similar things; categories (dogs, cats, automobiles, etc.)

Question 2

prototypes

Answer 2

your mental image or best example of a concept (dog - black lab, cat - Siamese, automobile - BMW)

Question 3

algorithms

Answer 3

step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution but is more time consuming (complex math problems, trying to open a locker with every combo, etc.)

Question 4

heuristics

Answer 4

simple thinking strategy, mental shortcut in order to solve a problem or making judgments; faster than an algorithm but prone to error (complete the word _ E A R, driving without directions, etc.)

Question 5

availability heuristic

Answer 5

judging the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind, we presume the events are more common

Question 6

representative heuristic

Answer 6

when we judge a situation based on how similar the aspects are to the prototype in our head; stereotyping

Question 7

mental set

Answer 7

approaching a problem in the same way that’s worked before

Question 8

priming

Answer 8

the process by which exposure to a stimulus influences a response to a later stimulus; previous experiences making it easier/quicker to recognize something later on (yellow –> quicker to recognize banana)

Question 9

framing

Answer 9

the way an issue/question is phrased can impact our decision making

Question 10

gambler’s fallacy

Answer 10

seeing a streak of heads and believing that tails is “due” to restore balance

Question 11

sunk-cost fallacy

Answer 11

sticking to our original plan because we’ve invited our time, even when switching to a new approach can save time/be best for us (toxic relationship, being sick with plans, etc.)

Question 12

divergent thinking

Answer 12

the ability to think creatively and generate a wide variety of possibly solutions or ideas in response to open-ended questions

Question 13

convergent thinking

Answer 13

the process of focusing on finding a single correct answer to a problem or question

Question 14

functional fixedness

Answer 14

the inability to see the use of an object as anything other than its purpose

Question 15

general ability (g)

Answer 15

Charles Spearman, people who perform well in one area are likely to perform well in other areas as well as they share a general ability or intelligence

Question 16

multiple abilities (Gardner ex.)

Answer 16

Howard Gardner’s, intelligence is not single, different kinds each related to specific abilities

Question 17

IQ + its use

Answer 17

score from standardized testing to measure intellectual abilities compared to others

Question 18

standardization

Answer 18

defining uniform testing procedures and meaningful scores by comparison with the performance of a pretested group (SAT, ACT, etc.)

Question 19

validity (construct + predictive)

Answer 19

the test measures what it intends to do (does it cover the scope of testing, measure the concept correctly, and predict future performance?)

Question 20

reliability (test-retest + split half)

Answer 20

the results are consistent (seeing roughly the same score on the SAT regardless of times taken)

Question 21

stereotype threat + lift

Answer 21

threat - individuals fear that their performance will confirm a negative stereotype out of anxiety turning them to impair their performance, and lift - where stereotypes can unknowingly boost and motivate their performance

Question 22

Flynn effect

Answer 22

intelligence scores have increased over time across the world

Question 23

IQ scores differences

Answer 23

low socioeconomic people may miss the question about a saucer going with a cup frequently; at a disadvantage for certain questions

Question 24

IQ scores limiting opportunities

Answer 24

can be used to limit job opportunities

Question 25

achievement test

Answer 25

tests that reflect what you already know (final exams, unit tests, trivia games, etc.)

Question 26

aptitude test

Answer 26

tests that predict future abilities

Question 27

fixed mindset

Answer 27

one’s belief that their abilities are unchangeable

Question 28

growth mindset

Answer 28

one’s belief that their abilities can develop through practice

Question 29

insight

Answer 29

AHA moment