Building Blocks of Thought
Define Cognition
the mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, storing, and using information
Define trial and error
Trying multiple solutions to find an answer to something
Define Creativity
the ability to produce ideas that are both novel and valuable
Define Confirmation Bias
A tendency to search information that supports our preconceptions, while ignoring contradicting evidence
Determine the likelihood of an event based on your own existing knowledge
Define Mental images
Mental representations of objects or events
Define Algorithm
a step-by-step procedure or method
Define convergent thinking
Is used for intelligence tests (thinking inside the box).
Name 1 of the 2 types of fixation obstacles
Functional Fixedness or Mental set
Give an example of representative heuristic
Let's say you're trying to decide what to wear for a picnic. You remember a time when you wore a light jacket to a picnic and felt comfortable because the weather was breezy. Now, you check the weather forecast for today's picnic, and it's like the day you wore the jacket. So, you use that experience as a prototype and decide to wear a light jacket again, expecting to feel comfortable just like before
What are the two types of ways we learn concepts
Formally (taught specific rules) and informally (learned by living)
What is an advantage of the heuristic problem solving strategy?
Reduces the number of possible solutions
Define divergent thinking
used for creative thinking (thinking outside the box).
Give an example of mental set
A basketball coach using his old offense that won him a championship in the past, with his new team.
Define Overconfidence
The tendency to overestimate the accuracy of our knowledge and judgements
Give an example of a concept (can use the example learned in class)
Naming 3 types of ice cream flavors
What is a disadvantage of the insight problem solving strategy
Doesn’t work often without a lot of effort
Name 2 of the 5 components of creativity
expertise, imaginative thinking skills, venturesome personality, intrinsic motivation, a creative environment
Define Functional Fixedness
The tendency to view objects as functioning only in their usual way
Give an example OR definition for belief perseverance.
People say Wilt Chamberlain never scored 100 points in an NBA game because there was no video evidence, even though there is some from the game OR Clinging to one’s initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited
What are the two types of subgroups hierarchies are placed into?
Organized: Hierarchies and understood: prototypes
Give an example of using algorithm to solve a problem
Give an example of a venturesome personality
**Seeking a new experience while tolerating risk and overcoming obstacles, trying something new
What was the example I spoke about in class when defining Mental Set?
Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls offense
What is the difference between confirmation bias and overconfidence?
Confirmation bias is more about seeking out information that aligns with our existing beliefs, while overconfidence is about having excessive faith in our own abilities or beliefs. Both cognitive biases can impact decision-making and critical thinking in various situations.