Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence, and Language P1

​Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence, and Language

​mental images mental representations that stand for objects or events and have a picture-like quality.

​Prototype: an example of a concept that closely matches the defining characteristics of the concept.

​Concepts: ideas that represent a class or category of objects, events, or activities.

Problem solving: process of cognition that occurs when a goal must be reached by thinking and behaving in certain ways.

​Decision making: process of cognition that involves identifying, evaluating, and choosing among several alternatives.

Trial and error: (mechanical solution) problem-solving method in which one possible solution after another is tried until a successful one is found.

​Algorithms are specific, step-by-step procedures for solving certain types of problems. Algorithms will always result in a correct solution if there is a correct solution to be found and you have enough time to find it.

​A heuristic, or “rule of thumb,” is a simple rule that is intended to apply to many situations. Whereas an algorithm is very specific and will always lead to a solution, a heuristic is an educated guess based on prior experiences that helps narrow down the possible solutions for a problem.

​Insight When the solution to a problem seems to come suddenly to mind, it is called insight.

• ​Functional fixedness a block to problem solving that comes from thinking about objects in terms of only their typical functions.

• mental set the tendency for people to persist in using problem-solving patterns that have worked for them in the past.

• confirmation bias the tendency to search for evidence that fits one’s beliefs while ignoring any evidence that does not fit those beliefs.

• ​Creativity the process of solving problems by combining ideas or behavior in new ways.

• Convergent thinking type of thinking in which a problem is seen as having only one answer, and all lines of thinking will eventually lead to that single answer, using previous knowledge and logic.

​Divergent thinking: type of thinking in which a person starts from one point and comes up with many different ideas or possibilities based on that point.

Multiple Choice

What is thinking?

• mental activity that involves processing, organizing, understanding, and communicating information

• spontaneous, nondirected, and unconscious mental activity

• simply and succinctly, it is only our ability to remember

• all mental activity except memory

Multiple Choice

People in the United States often think of a sports car when asked to envision a fun, fast form of travel. In this example, a sports car would be considered a

• prototype.

• formal concept.

• natural concept.

• mental image.

Multiple Choice

While taking a shower, Miguel suddenly realizes the solution to a problem at work. When later asked how he solved this problem, Miguel said, “The answer just seemed to pop into my head.” Miguel’s experience is an example of

• a mechanical solution.

• an algorithm.

• a heuristic

• insight.

Multiple Choice

Alicia leaves her office building only to find it is raining. She returns to her office and gets a trash bag out of the supply cabinet. Using a pair of scissors, she cuts the bag so that she can put her head and arms through the bag without getting wet. In using the trash bag as a makeshift rain jacket, Alicia has overcome

• functional fixedness.

• creativity bias.

• confirmation bias.

• confirmation fixedness.

Multiple Choice

Randall believes that aliens are currently living deep under the ocean. When looking for information about this on the Internet, he ignores any sites that are skeptical of his belief and only visits sites that support his belief. This is an example of

• functional fixedness.

• creativity bias.

• confirmation bias.

• confirmation fixedness.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best way to encourage divergent, creative thinking?

• Go for a walk or engage in some other automatic activity.

• Stare at a blank sheet of paper until a new, innovative solution comes to mind.

• Engage in many activities simultaneously.

• Force yourself to think of something new and creative.

Poll

How did you feel about this lesson?

Poll

Did you understand this lesson?

• 1. I didn't understand anything.

• 2. I understood some of what was said.

• 2.5 I understood about half.

• 3. I understood most of what was taught.

• 4. I understood it all and now I am an expert!