Psychology Chapter 7: Cognition

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Questions and Answers

Which factor is linked to improved cognitive function throughout life stages?

Dietary changes

Mental exercises

Physical exercise (correct)

Sleep quality

What aspect of language learning in animals is most controversial?

Learning syntax (correct)

Capacity to use non-verbal communication

Ability to understand abstract concepts

Communicating with humans

Which technique may not improve fluid intelligence despite enhancing working memory capacity?

Mindfulness practices

Physical fitness activities

Cognitive training programs

Mental exercises (correct)

What type of language can animals develop, according to the studies mentioned?

Basic language including some abstract ideas Signup and view all the answers

How can working memory be improved effectively?

Via targeted mental exercises Signup and view all the answers

What are natural concepts primarily formed from?

Experiences in the real world Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to mental representations that can resemble objects or events?

Mental images Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the smallest units of meaning in a language?

Morphemes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of concept is defined by specific rules or features?

Formal concept Signup and view all the answers

How can culture influence the definition of intelligence?

By framing intelligence within specific social contexts Signup and view all the answers

Which concept asserts that language influences thought processes?

Linguistic relativity hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a culture-fair intelligence test?

To minimize cultural biases Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language refers to the rules for combining words into sentences?

Syntax Signup and view all the answers

What role do cognitive factors play in language acquisition?

They facilitate understanding and usage of language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with the idea that concepts precede language?

Piaget Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of mental images?

They possess a picture-like quality Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the rules governing the structure and usage of a language?

Grammar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of pragmatics in language?

Involving social niceties and practical use of language Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome related to cognitive processes in thinking?

Effective organization of information Signup and view all the answers

What is the premise of Vygotsky's theory regarding language and thought?

Language aids in the development of concepts Signup and view all the answers

In the context of language elements, which of the following refers to the basic units of sound?

Phonemes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Cognition

Cognition is mental activity involved in processing information, organizing, understanding, and communicating to others.
Mental images are mental representations depicting objects or events.
Concepts are ideas representing categories of objects, events, or activities.
- Formal concepts are defined by rules or features.
- Natural concepts are formed from real-world experiences (e.g., platypus).
- Prototypes closely match defining characteristics.
- Schemas are mental generalizations about objects, places, events, and people.
- Scripts are schemas for familiar sequences.
Problem solving occurs when a goal is achieved through thought and behavior.
- Decision making involves identifying, evaluating, and choosing between alternatives.
- Trial and error involves trying solutions until success.
- Algorithms are specific, step-by-step procedures guaranteed to work (e.g., mathematical formulas).
- Heuristics are educated guesses based on prior experiences to narrow down possible solutions.
  - Representative heuristic assumes shared characteristics indicate membership in a category.
  - Availability heuristic estimates frequency based on ease of recalling information.
  - Working backward from a goal is a useful heuristic.
- Insight is sudden perception of a solution (e.g., Köhler's work with Sultan).
Problem-solving barriers include:
- Functional fixedness: thinking about objects only in terms of typical functions.
- Mental set: persisting in using past successful problem-solving patterns.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek evidence supporting one's beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Creativity involves combining ideas in new ways.
- Convergent thinking leads to one correct answer.
- Divergent thinking generates multiple ideas.
Techniques for stimulating divergent thinking include brainstorming, keeping a journal, freewriting, and mind/subject mapping.

Intelligence

Intelligence is the ability to learn from experiences, acquire knowledge, and effectively adapt to new situations or solve problems.
Theories of intelligence include:
- Spearman's theory:
  - g factor (general intelligence): ability to reason and solve problems.
  - s factors (specific intelligence): ability to excel in certain areas.
- Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (nine types).
- Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence (analytical, creative, and practical intelligences).
Intelligence quotients (IQs) are measures of intelligence, calculated by dividing mental age by chronological age, then multiplying by 100.
- IQ tests like Stanford-Binet and Wechsler yield both verbal and performance scores, as well as an overall score.
IQ test development involves standardization, resulting in norms that follow a normal curve.
Deviation IQ scores measure intelligence based on a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of about 15.
Crystallized intelligence refers to accumulated knowledge over time, and remains steady with age.
Fluid intelligence is the ability to solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn new skills, and declines with age.
IQ tests can be culturally biased, reflecting the cultural backgrounds of the designers.
- Culture-fair tests use nonverbal tasks to ensure they are less culturally biased.
IQ tests are useful for predicting academic success and job performance. They are also helpful in identifying developmental disorders like head injuries and neuropsychological disorders.

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) is a diagnosis when mental ability and adaptive behavior are deficient.
Diagnostic criteria include IQ below 70 and deficient adaptive behavior. This condition was previously known as mental retardation or developmental delay.
Levels of severity are determined by adaptive functioning and required support, rather than IQ.
Causes of intellectual delay may include deprived environments, genetic/chromosome disorders, and environmental toxins, like alcohol or a lack of nutrition.

Giftedness

Gifted individuals constitute approximately 2% of the population and typically have an IQ of 130 or above.
Stereotypes about gifted individuals include oddness, social awkwardness, physical weakness or a higher risk of mental illness.
Terman conducted a study to show success in gifted children. However, his objectivity was criticized due to his high level of interaction in the subjects' lives.
Individuals exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence; recognizing, processing and managing their own emotions, as well as those of others, and motivating oneself.

Heredity, Environment, and Intelligence

Stronger genetic correlations are observed as genetic relatedness increases. Heritability of IQ is approximately 50%.
Flynn effect: IQ scores have increased over time in modernized countries.
The Bell Curve: book arguing that intelligence is largely hereditary. This theory has been widely criticized.
Environmental factors, like the stereotype threat, also influence IQ results.

Language

Language is a system of symbols used to combine to create an infinite number of meaningful statements for communication.
Elements of language structure include:
- Grammar: rules governing the structure and use of language.
- Phonemes: basic units of sound.
- Morphemes: smallest units of meaning.
- Syntax: the rules for combining words and phrases into sentences.
- Semantics: rules for determining meaning of words and sentences.
- Pragmatics: the practical aspects and social skills involved in communication.

Language and Cognition

Language influences cognition. Different perspectives include:
- Piaget argues concepts precede language.
- Vygotsky proposes language helps develop concepts.
- The linguistic relativity hypothesis (Sapir-Whorf) suggests that thought processes are controlled by language.
- Cognitive universalism proposes that concepts are universal and influence language development.

Animal Studies in Language

Some animal studies demonstrate animal ability to comprehend basic language.
Controversy surrounds animal abilities to learn syntax (the combination of words to create meaning) and whether or not this truly demonstrates language acquisition.

Ways to Improve Thinking

Mental exercise improves working memory. Aerobic exercise improves cognitive function.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of cognition in this quiz, focusing on mental activities such as information processing, problem-solving, and decision-making. Delve into concepts, schemas, and the methods of understanding and communication that shape our cognitive abilities.