Chapter 7 Thinking

describe problem solving strategies

a plan of action used to find a solution to a problem. trial and error algorithm: formula that provides step-bystep instructions to achieve a desired outcome like a recipe etc heuristic: general problem-solving framework likemental shortcuts that are used to solve problems

distinguish concepts and prototypes

concepts: big ideas that are generated by observing details the categorizing and combining these details into cognitive structures such as information, images, ideas, memories or life experiences. prototypes: the best example or representation of a concept

explain the relationship between language and thinking

debated whether the language we speak effects how we interpret our world or thoughts. inconclusive data

explain emotional intelligence

emotional intelligence is being able to understand and control one's own emotions, empathized, read social cues, and respond in culturally appropriate ways.

describe the difference between a learning disability and a developmental disorder

learning abilities are cognitive disorders that affect different areas of cognition, particularly language or reading. not the same as developmental disorders since learning disabilities affect a certain, specific neurological function instead of a larger, more general aspect.

describe the purposes and benefits of intelligence testing

mainly for educational or clinical settings.

identify the difference between intelligence theories

multiple intelligence theory: howard gardener, 8 intelligences, critized for lack of empirical evidence theory of cognitive abilities: abilities are related and arranged in a hierarchy with general abilities at the top, broad abilities in middle, and narrow abilities at the bottom.

describe how schemata are organized and constructed

schema: mental construct or cluster of related concepts. how the brain organizes things in order to work more efficiently role: makes assumptions about how individuals behave based on their "roles" event or cognitive script: behaviors that feel routine

explain the relationship between IQ scores and socioeconomic status

socioeconomic status effects the amount of stress a child faces. when food, clothing, and shelter are stressors there is a dip in test performance. Racial effects of poverty

define creativity

generate, create, or discover new ideas, solutions, or possibilities.

define intelligence

has gone through many definitions such as singular intelligence based on the factor g or crystalized vs fluid intelligence. presently commonly defined as the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills

define language and demonstrate familiarity with the components of language

language is a communication that uses words and systematic rules that organize those words in order to transmit information from one individual to another lexicon: the words of a given language or a language's vocabulary grammar: set of rules used to convey meaning through lexicon phoneme: the sound unit of a given language morphemes: smallest units of language such as "I" semantics: process by which we derive meaning from morphemes and words syntax: the way words are organized into sentances

understand the development of language

language is learned through reinforcement - skinner language mechanisms underlying language are biologically determined - Chomsky

explain the difference between natural and artificial concepts

natural: created through experiences whether they be direct or indirect experiences artificial: a concept that is defined by a specific set of characteristics

describe how genetics and environment affect intelligence

studies show that identical twins raised apart had the highest IQ correlation showing how genes were a high proponent of intelligence. there is also the idea that an environment that provides stimuli for children can also cause high intellegence.

describe the history of the use of IQ tests

the french government initially wanted to create a test to administer to young students to see which ones needed more help in school. The advantage of testing students was quickly realized and modified to create a standardized test which measured what students across different ages knew.

describe cognition

thinking and encompasses the processes associated with perception, knowledge, problem solving, judgement, language, and memory

explain how intelligence tests are developed

IQ is intelligence quotient. developed to include five different indices of knowledge. comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed.

explain the triarchic theory of intelligence

Robert Sternberg: practical, creative, and analytical intelligence practical: street smarts, find solutions to everyday life analytical: academic problem solving and computations creative: inventing or imagining a solution to a problem or situation

explain some common roadblocks to effective problem solving and decision making

mental set: where you persist in approaching a problem in a way that haw worked in the past by is clearly not working now functional fixedness: when you cannot perceive an object being used for something other than what it was designed for. anchoring bias: when you focus on one piece of information when making a decision or solving a problem confirmation bias: the tendency to focus on information that confirms your existing beliefs hindsight bias: leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable representative bias: describes a faulty way of thinking in which you unintentially stereotype someone or something availability heuristic: decision is based upon either an available precedent or an example that may be faulty.