Concepts & Prototypes
What do we call a mental group of similar objects, ideas, or people?
Concept
What’s a step-by-step rule that always guarantees an answer?
Algorithm
What do we call a quick thinking rule that helps make fast decisions?
Heuristic
What kind of thinking involves coming up with many possible answers to a problem?
Divergent thinking
When you can’t see a new use for an old object, what is that called?
Functional fixedness
If your “prototype” for a bird is a robin, why might you not think of a penguin as a bird?
Because a penguin doesn’t match your prototype of a bird.
What’s a mental shortcut that helps us solve problems quickly but sometimes leads to mistakes?
Heuristic
You think sharks are common because you saw one on TV last night. What bias is this?
Availability heuristic
What kind of thinking focuses on finding one correct answer?
Convergent thinking
What happens when you keep using the same failed solution again and again?
Mental set
What’s the main benefit of using concepts when we think?
They help us organize and simplify information.
What’s it called when a solution suddenly pops into your head like “Aha!”?
Insight
You assume a tall man must be a basketball player. What bias is this?
Representativeness heuristic
Why is creativity helpful when solving problems?
It helps us see new possibilities and think differently.
What’s one good way to break out of a thinking block?
Take a break or try looking at the problem differently.
Why can relying too much on prototypes lead to errors?
It can cause stereotypes or incorrect assumptions.
You keep solving a math problem the same way even though it doesn’t work. What is this called?
Mental set
Why might people make bad decisions even when they know the facts?
Because of biases, emotions, or overconfidence.
A student uses a song to remember vocabulary words. What kind of thinking is this?
Creative or associative thinking.
True or False: Making mistakes can actually improve problem-solving.
True.
Which of these is a better prototype for “furniture”: a chair or a lampshade?
A chair.
You need to open a box but have no scissors. You realize your keys can cut the tape. What problem-solving skill did you use?
Overcoming functional fixedness (thinking creatively).
A friend studies for tests only the night before and always feels “lucky.” What thinking mistake is this?
Overconfidence bias or false sense of control.
What’s one activity that helps people think more creatively—drawing, following a checklist, or brainstorming?
Brainstorming.
Which of these shows creative thinking: using a spoon as a mirror, or only for eating?
Using it as a mirror.