Psychology Chapter on Thinking and Problem Solving

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Questions and Answers

What is functional fixedness in problem solving?

The tendency to rely on past problem-solving patterns

The ability to generate creative solutions without limitation

The practice of confirming existing beliefs with evidence

The inability to see objects as having multiple uses (correct)

Which type of thinking involves generating multiple possible solutions from a single starting point?

Convergent thinking

Critical thinking

Logical reasoning

Divergent thinking (correct)

What does confirmation bias lead individuals to do when faced with evidence?

Only consider evidence that fits their existing beliefs (correct)

Evaluate evidence objectively without bias

Ignore all available evidence

Seek evidence that contradicts their beliefs

According to Gardner, which type of intelligence is displayed when someone excels in just one particular area?

Specific intelligence (s factor) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of Sternberg’s triarchic theory focuses on the ability to solve new problems and come up with innovative solutions?

Creative intelligence Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of intelligence relate to learning from experiences?

It encompasses the ability to adapt and use knowledge effectively Signup and view all the answers

What does analytical intelligence involve according to Sternberg's triarchic theory?

Ability to break problems down into components for analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a barrier to problem solving caused by previous successful strategies?

Mental set Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Terman's longitudinal study?

The experiences of gifted children into adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated heritability of IQ?

0.50 Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the basic units of sound in a language?

Phonemes Signup and view all the answers

What does the Flynn effect describe?

The increase of IQ scores over time in modernized countries Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language involves the social niceties of communication?

Pragmatics Signup and view all the answers

According to the linguistic relativity hypothesis, what controls thought processes?

Language Signup and view all the answers

What are morphemes in the context of language?

Smallest units of meaning Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'stereotype threat' refer to?

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of emotional intelligence?

Self-motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is semantics in language studies?

Rules for determining the meaning of words and sentences Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of cognition?

Mental activity that involves processing information. Signup and view all the answers

How are formal concepts defined?

By specific rules or features. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prototype?

A representation of a concept that closely matches its defining traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which problem-solving method involves trying multiple solutions until one is successful?

Trial and error. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a heuristic?

To help narrow down possible solutions based on prior experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves breaking down a goal into smaller subgoals?

Working backward from the goal. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an insight moment in problem solving?

An immediate perception of the solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of decision-making in problem-solving?

To identify, evaluate, and choose between alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an intelligence quotient (IQ) score?

To represent a measure of intelligence through mental age and chronological age Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does 'reliability' refer to in the context of IQ tests?

The tendency of a test to yield consistent scores over multiple administrations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'validity' in IQ tests?

The degree to which the test measures what it is intended to measure Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when an IQ test is said to 'normalize' scores?

It distributes scores so that they fit a normal distribution curve Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is indicative of an intellectual disability?

A significant deficit in adaptive behavior alongside an IQ below 70 Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT considered a possible cause of developmental delay?

Heightened intelligence in parents Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population is typically classified as 'gifted' based on IQ scores?

2 percent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'practical intelligence'?

The capacity to navigate everyday life effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of 'standardization' when developing IQ tests?

To administer the test to a representative sample of the population Signup and view all the answers

Why might IQ tests face criticism regarding cultural bias?

They often favor individuals with higher socioeconomic status Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thinking and Mental Images

Thinking is a mental activity of processing information in the brain.
Processing includes organizing, understanding and communicating information.
Mental images are representations of objects or events with a picture-like quality.

Concepts

Concepts are ideas representing categories of objects, events, or activities.
Formal concepts are defined by specific rules or features.
Natural concepts are formed from real-world experiences.
A prototype is a concept that closely matches the characteristics of that concept.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the process of reaching a goal through thinking and actions.
Decision making involves evaluating alternatives and choosing one.
Trial and error is a method where solutions are tried until a successful one is found.
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that guarantee a correct solution if one exists.
Heuristics are educated guesses based on prior experiences to narrow down solutions.

Problem Solving Barriers

Functional fixedness limits thinking about objects only in terms of their typical uses.
Mental set is the tendency to persist in using problem-solving patterns that worked in the past.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to only search for evidence that supports one’s beliefs.

Creativity

Creativity is combining ideas or behaviors in new ways to solve problems.
Convergent thinking aims for a single correct answer using logic and prior knowledge.
Divergent thinking generates many different ideas from a single point.

Intelligence

Intelligence refers to learning from experiences, acquiring knowledge, and adapting to new situations.
Spearman's theory proposes a general intelligence factor ("g") and specific intelligence factors ("s").

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Gardner's theory identifies different types of intelligence, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg's theory proposes three types of intelligence: analytical (problem-solving), creative (dealing with new information), and practical ("street smarts").

IQ Tests

Intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measure of intelligence calculated by dividing mental age by chronological age and multiplying by 100.
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales yield an IQ score, allowing for comparisons across age groups.
Wechsler Intelligence Tests provide verbal, performance, and overall intelligence scores.

Development of IQ Tests

Reliability refers to how consistent test scores are when administered repeatedly to the same individuals.
Validity indicates how accurately a test measures what it is intended to measure.
Standardization involves administering a test to a large representative group to establish norms.
Cultural bias may occur in tests if they are not culturally appropriate for all individuals.
Cultural-free tests (CFIT) aim to minimize cultural bias.
IQ tests are generally valid predictors of academic success and job performance.

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (formerly mental retardation) is characterized by deficits in mental ability and adaptive behavior, with an IQ below 70.
Causes of intellectual disability include environmental deprivation, genetic disorders, and exposure to toxins.

Giftedness

Giftedness refers to individuals with an IQ of 130 or above, representing the top 2% of the population.
Terman's longitudinal study showed that gifted children generally grow up to be successful adults.
Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing one's own emotions, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Heredity, Environment, and Intelligence

Intelligence is influenced by both heredity and environment.
Stronger correlations are found between IQ scores as genetic relatedness increases.
Heritability of IQ is estimated to be about 0.50.
The Flynn effect refers to the gradual increase in IQ scores over time in modernized countries.
The Bell Curve, a controversial book, argued that intelligence is largely determined by genetics.
Stereotype threat is the anxiety and fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group.

Language

Language is a system for combining symbols to create meaningful statements for communication.
Grammar is the set of rules governing the structure and use of language.
Phonemes are the basic units of sound in a language.
Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a language.
Syntax is the system of rules for combining words and phrases into sentences.
Semantics determines the meaning of words and sentences.
Pragmatics involves the practical and social aspects of language use.

Language and Cognition

The linguistic relativity hypothesis states that thought processes and concepts are influenced by language.
Cognitive universalism suggests that concepts are universal and influence language development.

Animal Studies in Language

Studies have demonstrated that animals can develop a basic form of language, including simple abstract concepts.

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Description

Explore the fascinating concepts of thinking, mental images, and problem-solving strategies in this quiz. Learn about how we process information, use concepts, and apply different methods for decision making and solving problems. Test your understanding of these psychological principles!