Chapter 7 Thinking and Intelligence

Language

A communication system that involves using words and systematic rules to organize those words to transmit information from one individual to another.

Heuristic

A general problem-solving framework

Availability heuristic

A heuristic in which you make a decision based on an example, information, or recent experience that is that readily available to you, even though it may not be the best example to inform your decision.

Schema

A mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts

Problem-solving strategy

A plan of action used to find a solution

Algorithm

A problem-solving formula that provides you with step-by-step instructions used to achieve a desired outcome

Event schem aka cognitive script

A set of behaviors that can feel like a routine

Functional fixedness

A type of mental set where you cannot perceive an object being used for something other than what it was designed for.

Working backwards

A useful heuristic in which you begin solving the problem by focusing on the end result.

Divergent thinking

Can be described as thinking "outside the box;" it allows an individual to arrive at unique, multiple solutions to a given problem

Crystallized intelligence

Characterized as acquired knowledge and the ability to retrieve it.

Analytical intelligence

Closely aligned with academic problem solving and computations.

Artificial concept

Defined by a specific set of characteristics. Various properties of geometric shapes, like squares and triangles, serve as useful

Representative bias

Describes a faulty way of thinking, in which you unintentionally stereotype someone or something

Intelligence quotient

Describes a score earned on a test designed to measure intelligence

Convergent thinking

Describes the ability to provide a correct or well-established answer or solution to a problem

Fluid intelligence

Encompasses the ability to see complex relationships and solve problems.

Emotional intelligence

Encompasses the ability to understand the emotions of yourself and others, show empathy, understand social relationships and cues, and regulate your own emotions and respond in culturally appropriate ways

Representative sample

a subset of the population that accurately represents the general population.

Learning disabilities

cognitive disorders that affect different areas of cognition, particularly language or reading.

Standard deviations

describe how data are dispersed in a population and give context to large data sets.

Dysgraphia

have a learning disability that results in a struggle to write legibly.The physical task of writing with a pen and paper is extremely challenging for the person.

Norming

involves giving a test to a large population so data can be collected comparing groups, such as age groups.

Phoneme

is a basic sound unit of a given language, and different languages have different sets of phonemes. Phonemes are combined to form morphemes

Cognitive psychology

is the field of psychology dedicated to examining how people think. It attempts to explain how and why we think the way we do by studying the interactions among human thinking, emotion, creativity, language, and problem solving, in addition to other cognitive processes

Triarchic theory of intelligence

it sees intelligence as comprised of three parts: practical, creative, and analytical intelligence

Trial and error

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"

Dyslexia

An individual with this exhibits an inability to correctly process letters.

Concepts

Are categories or groupings of linguistic information, images, ideas, or memories, such as life experiences. They are informed by our semantic memory

Natural concepts

Are created "naturally" through your experiences and can be developed from either direct or indirect experiences

Morphemes

Are the smallest units of language that convey some type of meaning

cultural intelligence

How well you relate to the values of that culture, sometimes referred to as cultural competence.

Multiple Intelligences Theory

In Gardner's theory, each person possesses at least eight intelligences. Among these eight intelligences, a person typically excels in some and falters in others

Hindsight bias

Leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable, even though it really wasn't. In other words, you knew all along that things would turn out the way they did.

Role schema

Makes assumptions about how individuals in certain roles will behave

Creative intelligence

Marked by inventing or imagining a solution to a problem or situation.

Standardization

Means that the manner of administration, scoring, and interpretation of results is consistent

Anchoring bias

Occurs when you focus on one piece of information when making a decision or solving a problem.

Practical intelligence

Proposed by Sternberg, is sometimes compared to "street smarts." Being practical means you find solutions that work in your everyday life by applying knowledge based on your experiences.

Overgeneralization

Refers to an extension of a language rule to an exception to the rule

Flynn effect

Refers to the observation that each generation has a significantly higher IQ than the last

Semantics

Refers to the process by which we derive meaning from morphemes and words

Grammar

Refers to the set of rules that are used to convey meaning through the use of the lexicon

Syntax

Refers to the way words are organized into sentences

Lexicon

Refers to the words of a given language.

Stages of Language and communication development

Table 7.1 Stages of Language and Communication Development Stage Age Developmental Language and Communication 1 0-3 months Reflexive communication 2 3-8 months Reflexive communication; interest in others 3 8-13 months Intentional communication; sociability 4 12-18 months First words 5 18-24 months Simple sentences of two words 6 2-3 years Sentences of three or more words 7 3-5 years Complex sentences; has conversations

Creativity

The ability to generate, create, or discover new ideas, solutions, and possibilities

Prototype

The best example or representation of a concept

Confirmation bias

The tendency to focus on information that confirms your existing beliefs.

Cognition

Thinking, and it encompasses the processes associated with perception, knowledge, problem solving, judgment, language, and memory.

Mental set

Where you persist in approaching a problem in a way that has worked in the past but is clearly not working now

Range of Reaction

s the theory that each person responds to the environment in a unique way based on his or her genetic makeup. According to this idea, your genetic potential is a fixed quantity, but whether you reach your full intellectual potential is dependent upon the environmental stimulation you experience, especially in childhood.