Lecture 7: Thinking and Intelligence PDF

Lecture 7: thinking and intelligence Computational Theory of Mind Main Idea: The brain is viewed as an information-processing device by cognitive science. ○ The process works like this: Inputs > Processing > Outputs. ○ Example: When you see a red light, your brain proc...

Lecture 7: thinking and intelligence Computational Theory of Mind Main Idea: The brain is viewed as an information-processing device by cognitive science. ○ The process works like this: Inputs > Processing > Outputs. ○ Example: When you see a red light, your brain processes this input and sends an output to press the brake. Thinking and Mental Imagery Thinking involves creating mental representations in our mind: ○ Mental imagery: This refers to imagining visual or auditory stimuli (picturing a face or hearing a song in your head). ○ Your brain creates these images or sounds without actual external stimuli. Important Fact: The same areas of your brain are activated whether you are imagining something or experiencing it for real. Example: When you imagine the taste of pizza, your brain might activate the same areas as when you're actually eating pizza! Schemas, Concepts, and Prototypes Concepts: These are mental groupings or categories (“cars” or “trees”). - they help you organize and simplify the world. Prototypes: These are the most typical examples of a concept. - A robin is a more typical bird (prototype) than an ostrich. Schemas: These are networks of interconnected concepts. - A “food” schema could connect to “vegetables,” which could then connect to “broccoli.” Key Point: Schemas and concepts reduce the mental effort we need to process the world and are crucial for higher-level thinking. How We Solve Problems There are various methods for problem-solving: 1. Heuristics: Mental shortcuts or "rules of thumb." ○ Fast, but not always accurate. ○ Example: Guessing the shortest line at the grocery store based on appearance. 2. Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures (e.g., formulas, recipes). ○ Slower, but reliable if applied correctly. ○ Example: Following a recipe exactly to bake a cake.  3. Insight: Sudden realizations or "Ah-ha!" moments. ○ Often leads to creative or innovative solutions. ○ Example: Realizing the solution to a riddle out of nowhere. Dual Systems of Thinking Daniel Kahneman’s There are two systems of thinking: System 1: ○ Fast, automatic, and effortless. ○ It’s often used for quick judgments. ○ Example: When you instinctively avoid a car coming toward you. System 2: ○ Slow, deliberate, and effortful. ○ Requires focus and is used for more complex tasks. ○ Physiological effects: Your heart rate might increase, and your pupils dilate when using System 2. ○ Example: When solving a difficult math problem. Heuristics Heuristics are mental shortcuts that our brain uses to make decisions quickly. Availability Heuristic: Judging how common something is based on how easily it comes to mind. ○ Example: People often think of shark attacks as common because they’re widely reported, but they’re statistically rare. Representativeness Heuristic: Assigning something to a category based on how closely it fits the "prototype" of that category. ○ Example: If someone wears glasses and loves books, you might assume they're a librarian because they fit your prototype, even though they might be a lawyer. Confirmation Bias Explanation: We tend to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. Intelligence General Intelligence (g): ○ A single factor that is thought to underlie all cognitive abilities. ○ Charles Spearman introduced this concept, suggesting that if you score well in one cognitive area (e.g., verbal), you’re likely to score well in others (e.g., spatial).  IQ (Intelligence Quotient): ○ Measures "mental age" relative to "chronological age." If mental age matches true age, IQ = 100. ○ Binet’s IQ Test: Originally designed to identify children who needed special education in French schools. ○ Stanford-Binet Test: The most famous IQ test, later revised in the U.S. Environmental Influence on IQ Twin Studies: Studies show that genetics and environment both influence IQ. 1. Identical twins raised together tend to have very similar IQ scores, which shows the strong genetic influence. 2. Non-twin siblings raised together have lower IQ correlations, showing that environment also plays a role. Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence Three Types of Intelligence: 1. Analytical Intelligence: Problem-solving and abstract thinking (e.g., math skills). 2. Practical Intelligence: The ability to handle everyday tasks and adapt to new situations. 3. Creative Intelligence: The ability to come up with novel and innovative solutions. Note: Sternberg argued that traditional IQ tests only measure analytical intelligence, missing practical and creative aspects. Emotional Intelligence Components: 1. The ability to recognize, control, and express your own emotions. 2. The capacity to empathize with others and understand their emotions. Importance: High EQ is predictive of success in relationships, conflict resolution, and leadership roles. Grit: Definition: Grit is a combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Angela Duckworth’s research: Children with grit are more likely to succeed in school and life, even if their IQ isn’t as high. Critique: Grit can sometimes limit "cognitive flexibility," making it harder to adapt when persistence isn’t the best approach. Animal Intelligence: Concept Formation: Some animals can form concepts like counting or distinguishing between "same" and "different." Example: Some birds can count objects. Insight and Tool Use: Some animals, like chimpanzees, use tools or solve problems creatively. Example: Chimps use sticks to extract termites from mounds, which shows intelligence similar to humans.