Psychology Chapter 8: Cognition and Intelligence

Thinking and Cognition

• Cognition involves mental processing of internal representations related to problems or situations.
• Key components include images (picture-like representations), concepts (categories of objects/events), and language (words/symbols with rules).

Concept Formation

• Concept formation categorizes information into meaningful groups.
• Positive instances are objects/events fitting a concept, while negative instances do not.
• Conceptual rules guide categorization decisions.

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Mechanical solutions are found through trial and error or fixed procedures.
• Algorithms are systematic rules that guarantee correct solutions.
• Understanding is essential for complex problems that resistance mechanical approaches.

Types of Solutions

• General solutions define requirements for success but lack specifics for execution.
• Functional solutions are practical and applicable to the problem.

Heuristics and Problem Solving

• Heuristics are strategies for assessing and locating problem solutions, including random search tactics.
• Fixation can cause individuals to persist with incorrect solutions or overlook alternatives.
• Functional fixedness limits recognition of new uses for familiar objects.

Barriers to Problem-Solving

• Emotional barriers can include fear of failure or embarrassment.
• Cultural barriers may dismiss imaginative thinking as unproductive.
• Learned barriers involve adherence to conventions that restrict creativity.
• Perceptual barriers hinder important element recognition within problems.

Expertise in Problem-Solving

• Experts excel over novices through developed strategies and organized knowledge.
• Experts recognize patterns intuitively and process information with greater speed and ease.

Types of Thinking

• Inductive reasoning derives general principles from specific observations.
• Deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases.
• Logical thought generates new conclusions based on established rules.
• Illogical thought is characterized by intuition and personal associations.

Stages of Creative Thought

• Orientation phase involves defining the problem.
• Preparation involves gathering relevant information.
• Incubation allows subconscious processing of the problem.
• Illumination represents the moment of insight or realization.
• Verification entails testing and critiquing the solution.

Enhancing Creativity

• Discover surprises daily and aim to surprise others.
• Pursue interests passionately and commit to excellence.
• Embrace challenges, allocate time for reflection, and pursue enjoyable activities.
• Explore various perspectives on problems.

Human Intelligence

• Intelligence is the overarching ability to act purposefully, think rationally, and effectively navigate environments.
• The g-factor signifies general ability intertwined with reasoning, knowledge, memory, and adaptability.

Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

• Fluid intelligence pertains to tackling new problems and typically diminishes after middle age.
• Crystallized intelligence utilizes existing knowledge and generally remains stable or only slightly declines with age.

Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner)

• Multiple intelligences encompass various domains:
  • Linguistic (verbal skills)
  • Logical-mathematical (numerical abilities)
  • Visual-spatial (pictorial abilities)
  • Musical (musical skills)
  • Bodily-kinesthetic (physical talents)
  • Intrapersonal (self-awareness)
  • Interpersonal (social skills)
  • Naturalistic (understanding of nature)