BASICS
What is thinking?
This is when you go beyond given info to reach a goal.
What are symbols?
Turning words into numbers or letters is called this.
What is an algorithm?
A method that always gives the correct answer.
What is reversing variables?
When you mix up variables in a problem.
What is situated cognition?
Using your environment to solve problems.
What is problem solving?
This is solving a problem when the answer is not obvious.
What is a matrix?
A grid used to organize info in a problem.
What is a heuristic?
A shortcut or rule that is usually correct.
What is oversimplifying?
When you make a problem too simple and miss info.
What is embodied cognition?
Using your body or movement to help thinking.
What are obstacles?
These are the 3 parts of a problem: initial, goal, and this.
What are diagrams?
These help show info visually and simplify problems.
What is analogy?
Using a past similar problem to solve a new one.
What is misremembering?
Forgetting parts of the problem is called this.
What is problem solving?
Paying attention to important details helps this.
What is the initial state?
This is the beginning situation of a problem.
What is problem representation?
This means how you understand and organize a problem in your mind.
What is means-end heuristic?
Breaking a problem into smaller steps.
What is mental set?
Using the same method even when it doesn’t work.
What is attention?
Negative thoughts can hurt this ability.
What is the goal state?
This is when the problem is solved.
What is working memory?
This helps you keep track of info while solving problems.
What is hill-climbing heuristic?
Choosing the fastest-looking path to a goal.
What is functional fixedness?
Seeing objects only in one fixed way.
What is transforming knowledge?
This shows how thinking processes are active.