Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgments & Decision Making (College Board AP® Psychology): Flashcards
0Still learning
Know0
Define thinking.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (25)
Define thinking.
Thinking is the mental manipulation of information, forming representations of the world and using them to reason, plan, and make decisions.
What term describes a mental category used to group objects, people, events, or ideas that share common features?
A concept is a mental category used to group objects, people, events, or ideas that share common features.
What term describes the most typical or ideal example of a category, such as a robin as the typical example of a bird?
A prototype is the most typical or ideal example of a category, such as a robin as the typical example of a bird.
Define assimilation.
Assimilation is taking in new information and fitting it into an existing schema without changing the schema.
Which process involves modifying an existing schema to incorporate new information that does not fit it?
Accommodation involves modifying an existing schema to incorporate new information that does not fit it.
True or False?
An algorithm is a quick mental shortcut, while a heuristic guarantees the correct solution if followed.
False.
This is reversed: an algorithm is a slow, step-by-step procedure that guarantees a correct solution, while a heuristic is a faster but error-prone shortcut.
Define heuristic.
A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that allows quick judgments without exhaustively testing every option.
Which heuristic involves judging an event's likelihood based on how easily examples of it come to mind?
The availability heuristic involves judging an event's likelihood based on how easily examples of it come to mind.
Define representativeness heuristic.
The representativeness heuristic is judging the likelihood of something based on how closely it resembles a typical example, or prototype, of a category.
__________________ is the tendency to approach a new problem using strategies that worked in the past, even when a different approach would be more effective.
Mental set is the tendency to approach a new problem using strategies that worked in the past, even when a different approach would be more effective.
Define functional fixedness.
Functional fixedness is the tendency to see objects only in terms of their typical function, making it difficult to think of new or creative uses for them.
Which cognitive bias involves searching for and remembering information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence?
Confirmation bias involves searching for and remembering information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
True or False?
Hindsight bias is the tendency, after learning an outcome, to believe you knew it all along.
True.
Hindsight bias is the tendency, after learning an outcome, to believe you knew it all along, such as feeling you predicted a sports result.
Define belief perseverance.
Belief perseverance is the tendency to maintain a belief even when presented with evidence that contradicts it.
Define framing.
Framing is the way a problem or question is presented, which can alter the decision made even when the objective information stays the same.
What is the gambler's fallacy?
The gambler's fallacy is the mistaken belief that a random event is more or less likely based on previous independent events.
True or False?
The sunk-cost fallacy involves continuing to invest resources because of resources already spent, even when continuing is not rational.
True.
This describes the sunk-cost fallacy exactly, e.g. sitting through a bad film because the ticket was already paid for.
Convergent thinking is systematic, logical thinking that works toward a single ____________ answer.
Convergent thinking is systematic, logical thinking that works toward a single correct answer.
Define divergent thinking.
Divergent thinking is thinking that generates multiple possible solutions by exploring many different directions simultaneously.
What cognitive obstacle prevents people from seeing objects beyond their conventional use?
Functional fixedness prevents people from seeing objects or ideas beyond their conventional use.
True or False?
Priming requires conscious awareness of the stimulus that influences a later response.
False.
Priming typically occurs without conscious awareness; exposure to one stimulus influences the response to a later one.
Which brain region is primarily involved in executive functions?
The prefrontal cortex is primarily involved in executive functions.
Define mental set.
Mental set is the tendency for past successful experiences to predispose a person toward a particular solution, even when it is not the most appropriate one.
Creative people tend to be driven by ________________ motivation rather than external rewards.
Creative people tend to be driven by intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards.
Why is creativity research typically non-experimental?
Creativity research is typically non-experimental because it is difficult to manipulate creativity as an independent variable, often using case studies instead.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or