Psychology Notes PDF

Here are detailed notes based on Chapter 7: Thinking from your textbook: 1. Nature of Thinking Definition: Thinking is a complex, internal mental process that involves manipulating and analyzing information received from the environment. It is goal-directed and central to all cog...

Here are detailed notes based on Chapter 7: Thinking from your textbook: 1. Nature of Thinking Definition: Thinking is a complex, internal mental process that involves manipulating and analyzing information received from the environment. It is goal-directed and central to all cognitive activities like problem-solving, decision-making, reasoning, and creative thinking. Thinking uses mental representations such as: ○ Mental Images: Representations of sensory experiences. ○ Concepts: Mental categories for grouping similar objects, events, or ideas. 2. Building Blocks of Thought Mental Images: Visualizing experiences or objects, like remembering a road map or a scene. An image is a mental representation of a sensory experience Concepts: ○ Help organize knowledge and make thinking efficient. ○ Created by categorizing objects/events based on shared characteristics. 3. Processes of Thinking 3.1 Problem Solving Definition: Thinking aimed at overcoming obstacles to reach a goal. Steps: ○ Identify the problem. ○ Represent the problem. ○ Plan and set sub-goals. ○ Evaluate possible solutions. ○ Select and execute a solution. ○ Assess the outcome. ○ Rethink for future improvements. Obstacles: ○ Mental Set: Using previously successful methods even when new approaches are needed. ○ Functional Fixedness: Inability to use objects in novel ways. ○ Lack of motivation or persistence. 3.2 Reasoning Involves drawing inferences and conclusions. Types: ○ Deductive Reasoning: Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or rule and applies it to a specific instance to arrive at a conclusion. General to specific (e.g., All cats are animals; this is a cat; therefore, this is an animal). ○ Inductive Reasoning: Inductive reasoning involves observing specific instances or patterns and forming a general rule or conclusion. Specific to general (e.g., Observing patterns to form rules). ○ Analogical Reasoning: Drawing comparisons to solve problems. 3.3 Decision-Making Involves choosing among alternatives based on evaluating costs and benefits. Judgment: A component of decision-making that involves forming opinions or conclusions. 4. Creative Thinking Definition: Production of novel and original ideas or solutions. Characteristics: ○ Novelty, originality, and appropriateness. Types of Thinking: ○ Convergent Thinking: Focused on finding a single correct answer. ○ Divergent Thinking: Generating multiple solutions. Abilities involved: Fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Process: ○ Preparation: Understanding the problem. ○ Incubation: Letting ideas percolate subconsciously. ○ Illumination: The "Aha!" moment of insight. ○ Verification: Testing and refining the idea. Strategies for Enhancing Creativity: ○ Brainstorming, questioning, and exploring new perspectives.