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Questions and Answers
A mental set encourages the use of new strategies for solving problems.
A mental set encourages the use of new strategies for solving problems.
False (B)
Algorithms must be followed exactly to ensure a correct outcome in problem-solving.
Algorithms must be followed exactly to ensure a correct outcome in problem-solving.
True (A)
Trial and error is considered to be a highly time-efficient problem-solving strategy.
Trial and error is considered to be a highly time-efficient problem-solving strategy.
False (B)
Heuristics are specific algorithms used to solve problems.
Heuristics are specific algorithms used to solve problems.
The statement 'If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again' exemplifies the approach of mental set.
The statement 'If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again' exemplifies the approach of mental set.
Heuristics can be helpful when one faces too much information or limited decision time.
Heuristics can be helpful when one faces too much information or limited decision time.
Using a heuristic guarantees a rational decision in problem-solving.
Using a heuristic guarantees a rational decision in problem-solving.
Thinking is solely an emotional process that occurs without any logical reasoning.
Thinking is solely an emotional process that occurs without any logical reasoning.
A mental set can sometimes hinder the generation of new ideas for solving a problem.
A mental set can sometimes hinder the generation of new ideas for solving a problem.
Problem-solving strategies are identical across all types of problems.
Problem-solving strategies are identical across all types of problems.
Inductive reasoning moves from general premises to specific conclusions.
Inductive reasoning moves from general premises to specific conclusions.
An algorithm can vary in its outcome depending on how closely it is followed.
An algorithm can vary in its outcome depending on how closely it is followed.
Concepts can be directly observed and measured in our behavior.
Concepts can be directly observed and measured in our behavior.
Creative thinking is one of the mental activities involved in the thinking process.
Creative thinking is one of the mental activities involved in the thinking process.
The conclusion drawn in deductive reasoning must be logically true if all premises are true.
The conclusion drawn in deductive reasoning must be logically true if all premises are true.
When categorizing objects, we tend to treat new stimuli as unique and unrelated to existing categories.
When categorizing objects, we tend to treat new stimuli as unique and unrelated to existing categories.
Reasoning is only utilized in scientific contexts and is not applicable in everyday problem-solving.
Reasoning is only utilized in scientific contexts and is not applicable in everyday problem-solving.
Abstracting essential characteristics is a key feature of thinking in humans.
Abstracting essential characteristics is a key feature of thinking in humans.
The process of thinking does not involve memory, as it is focused solely on immediate problem-solving.
The process of thinking does not involve memory, as it is focused solely on immediate problem-solving.
An example of deductive reasoning is recognizing that all fruits have seeds and concluding that mangoes, being fruits, must have seeds.
An example of deductive reasoning is recognizing that all fruits have seeds and concluding that mangoes, being fruits, must have seeds.
Cognition refers to the process of updating one's knowledge base through sensory experiences and memory retrieval.
Cognition refers to the process of updating one's knowledge base through sensory experiences and memory retrieval.
Imagination is not considered a part of cognitive functions involved in the process of thinking.
Imagination is not considered a part of cognitive functions involved in the process of thinking.
The cerebral cortex is responsible for regulating cognitive processes such as attention and memory.
The cerebral cortex is responsible for regulating cognitive processes such as attention and memory.
Thinking does not occur during sleep according to the cognitive functions described.
Thinking does not occur during sleep according to the cognitive functions described.
The primary distinction between thinking and non-thinking is the presence of emotional awareness.
The primary distinction between thinking and non-thinking is the presence of emotional awareness.
Cognitive processes are unique to humans and are governed by rules, concepts, and past experiences.
Cognitive processes are unique to humans and are governed by rules, concepts, and past experiences.
Problem-solving is a cognitive process that cannot be influenced by one's environment.
Problem-solving is a cognitive process that cannot be influenced by one's environment.
Free association is a technique used in thinking that allows for the exploration of relationships among various concepts.
Free association is a technique used in thinking that allows for the exploration of relationships among various concepts.
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Study Notes
Understanding Thinking
- Thinking is a cognitive function that involves manipulating ideas, images, and mental representations.
- It utilizes stored knowledge for tasks like remembering, imagining, problem-solving, and concept formation.
- Humans rationalize problems by logically establishing relationships among concepts and forming opinions based on environmental evaluations.
Cognition and Knowledge Acquisition
- The process of acquiring knowledge is termed cognition, influenced by cognitive functions such as attention and imagination.
- Cognitive processes are managed by the cerebral cortex, highlighting their specificity to human beings.
- Cognition utilizes concepts, facts, propositions, rules, and memories.
Nature of Thinking
- Thinking can occur even during sleep, with awareness differentiating it from non-thinking activities.
- It is a constructive process, transforming information into new representations and involving activities like inferring, abstracting, and creative thinking.
Problem-Solving Process
- Problem-solving initiates thinking, which follows steps like judging, abstracting, inferring, and reasoning.
- Decisions may depend on various factors like conditions of the environment, traffic situations, and safety considerations.
Concepts and Reasoning
- Concepts categorize objects and events, allowing systematic organization of knowledge. They can infer behaviors but cannot be directly observed.
- Reasoning, essential for logical thinking and problem-solving, involves drawing conclusions from facts and stored information. Two types of reasoning:
- Deductive Reasoning: From general premises to specific conclusions (e.g., "All fruits have seeds, therefore mangoes have seeds").
- Inductive Reasoning: From specifics to general conclusions, which may not always be empirically true (e.g., "Some good students love reading, thus good students may love reading").
Role of Problem-Solving
- Problem-solving is integral to daily life, varying in complexity and duration. It uses both internal (mental) and external (social) resources to find solutions.
- A mental set refers to the tendency to approach new problems with strategies that worked in the past, which may hinder innovative thinking.
Problem-Solving Strategies
- Trial and Error: Involves testing multiple solutions until one works; often time-consuming.
- Algorithms: Step-by-step instructions that guarantee the same outcome, often found in computing and like a recipe.
- Heuristics: General problem-solving frameworks or mental shortcuts that expedite decision-making, though not always rational or accurate.
Conditions for Employing Heuristics
- Heuristics are utilized under specific conditions:
- When faced with excessive information.
- When a decision must be made quickly.
- For decisions deemed unimportant.
- With limited information available.
- When a familiar heuristic comes to mind.
Application of Heuristics
- A common heuristic is breaking down large tasks into smaller steps, making daunting projects manageable (e.g., writing a long essay).
- A "working backwards" approach focuses on the end result, assisting in effectively solving a problem.
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