Unit 6 - Cognition Flashcards
concepts
mental groupings of similar things; categories (dogs, cats, automobiles, etc.)
prototypes
your mental image or best example of a concept (dog - black lab, cat - Siamese, automobile - BMW)
algorithms
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.)
heuristics
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.)
availability heuristic
judging the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind, we presume the events are more common
representative heuristic
when we judge a situation based on how similar the aspects are to the prototype in our head; stereotyping
mental set
approaching a problem in the same way that’s worked before
priming
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)
framing
the way an issue/question is phrased can impact our decision making
gambler’s fallacy
seeing a streak of heads and believing that tails is “due” to restore balance
sunk-cost fallacy
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.)
divergent thinking
the ability to think creatively and generate a wide variety of possibly solutions or ideas in response to open-ended questions
convergent thinking
the process of focusing on finding a single correct answer to a problem or question
functional fixedness
the inability to see the use of an object as anything other than its purpose
general ability (g)
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
multiple abilities (Gardner ex.)
Howard Gardner’s, intelligence is not single, different kinds each related to specific abilities
IQ + its use
score from standardized testing to measure intellectual abilities compared to others
standardization
defining uniform testing procedures and meaningful scores by comparison with the performance of a pretested group (SAT, ACT, etc.)
validity (construct + predictive)
the test measures what it intends to do (does it cover the scope of testing, measure the concept correctly, and predict future performance?)
reliability (test-retest + split half)
the results are consistent (seeing roughly the same score on the SAT regardless of times taken)
stereotype threat + lift
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
Flynn effect
intelligence scores have increased over time across the world
IQ scores differences
low socioeconomic people may miss the question about a saucer going with a cup frequently; at a disadvantage for certain questions
IQ scores limiting opportunities
can be used to limit job opportunities
achievement test
tests that reflect what you already know (final exams, unit tests, trivia games, etc.)
aptitude test
tests that predict future abilities
fixed mindset
one’s belief that their abilities are unchangeable
growth mindset
one’s belief that their abilities can develop through practice
insight
AHA moment
