Cognition and mental abilities

Cognition
the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and
the senses.
Types of Cognitive
Observational Learning
In observational or vicarious learning, we learn by watching a model perform a particular action and then
trying to imitate that action correctly.
Latent Learning
is a form of learning that is not immediately expressed in an overt response; it occurs without any
obvious reinforcement of the behavior or associations that are learned
Intelligence
mental quality consisting of the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to
adapt to new situations.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
numerical value of intelligence based on a test where 100 is average.

Terman's classification was:

IQ Range

Classification

140 and over Genius or near genius

120-140

Very superior intelligence

110-120

Superior intelligence

90-110

Normal or average intelligence

80-90

Dullness

70-80

Borderline deficiency

Below 70

Definite feeble-mindedness

The three theories of intelligence as proposed by

1.Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg's theory that intelligence involves mental skills (analytical intelligence), insight and creative
adaptability (creative intelligence), and environmental responsiveness (practical intelligence).
Analytical: an individual who is able to analyze problems by using critical thinking
Ex: a person who is highly philosophical and sophisticated, a person who has high analytical intelligence
is one that for example can analyze a book better than the average person: they see meanings and
themes that perhaps no one else sees
Practical: an individual that is able to learn something and implement it on daily basis
Ex: this may be the sort of person who learns something about financial equations in mathematics and is
able to use this new skill learned in their daily lives, for example using an equation learned in a certain
course to calculate their financial income.

Creative: they are able to develop new ideas and concepts.

Ex: an artist that cant take the concept of art into a whole new level by perhaps not only applying it fine or
physical arts but for example in their relationships.
2.Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner's theory that there is not one intelligence, but rather many, each of which is relatively
independent of the others.
3.Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goldmans theory refers to how effectively people perceive and understand
their own emotions and the emotions of others and can manage their emotional
behavior.
Prototype (or model)
mental model with the most typical features of a concept.
Problem Solving
What are the three general aspects of the problem-solving process?
- Interpretation
- Strategy
- Evaluation
Interpreting Problems
Why is representing the problem so important to finding an effective solution?
Problem Representation
The first step in solving a problem; Interpreting or defining the problem.
Divergent Thinking

a type of thinking in which problem solvers devise a number of possible alternative approaches.
Convergent Thinking
finding one solution to a problem.
Thinking that narrows its focus in a particular direction, assuming that there is only one solution.
Implementing strategies and evaluating progress
Heuristic
Greek word meaning "to find".
a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; usually
speedier but also more error prone than algorithms.
allows people to quickly arrive at a conclusion.
Example: After seeing news reports about people losing their jobs, you might start to believe that you are
in danger of being layed-off. You start lying awake in bed each night worrying that you are about to be
fired.
trial and error
a strategy that works best when choices are limited
Subgoals
intermediate more manageable goals used in one heuristic strategy to make it easier to reach the final
goal
Example: you study every night for a week before the test.
Obstacles to solving problems
Factors:
motivation
Emotional arousal
Mental Set
a tendency to approach a problem in particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past
Functional Fixedness
the tendency to perceive an item only in terms of its most common use.
the tendency to perceive only a limited number of uses for an

object, thus interfering with the process of problem solving

Decision making
is a special kind of problem solving in which we already know all the possible solutions or choices.
Compensatory decision making
- attractive features can offset or compensate to the unattractive features
Decision making heuristics
1.Representativeness
judging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular
prototypes
2.Availability
judgement based on information most easily recalled in memory.
Example: People who read more case studies of successful businesses may judge the probability of
running a successful business to be greater.
3.Confirmation bias
the tendency to look for evidence in support of a belief and to ignore evidence that would disprove a
belief.