Overview
This lecture covers core concepts in thinking (cognition) and intelligence, including how we organize information, problem-solving strategies, types of intelligence, biases, and learning disabilities.
Cognition, Concepts, & Prototypes
- Cognition refers to thinking and includes perception, knowledge, problem solving, judgment, language, and memory.
- Concepts are categories of linguistic information, images, ideas, or memories to relate experience elements.
- Prototypes are the best examples or representations of a concept.
- Natural concepts are learned through direct or indirect experience; artificial concepts are defined by specific characteristics (e.g., math shapes).
Schemas & Scripts
- A schema is a mental construct of related concepts.
- Role schemas help us predict behavior based on social roles.
- Event schemas (cognitive scripts) are routine or automatic behaviors in specific contexts.
Language Structure and Acquisition
- Language is a communication system with words and rules for organization.
- Lexicon: the vocabulary of a language; grammar: rules for conveying meaning.
- Phoneme: smallest sound unit; morpheme: smallest unit with meaning.
- Semantics: meaning from morphemes/words; syntax: word order in sentences.
- Noam Chomsky argued for a biologically-driven language acquisition and a critical period for language learning.
Problem Solving & Pitfalls
- Problem-solving strategies: trial and error, algorithms (step-by-step formulas), heuristics (shortcuts), and working backwards.
- Functional fixedness: inability to use objects in new ways.
- Break large problems into small steps for easier solutions.
Cognitive Biases
- Anchoring bias: focusing on one piece of information.
- Confirmation bias: seeking info that confirms beliefs.
- Hindsight bias: seeing events as predictable after they happen.
- Representative bias: unintentional stereotyping.
- Availability heuristic: making decisions based on recent or readily available info.
Intelligence Theories
- Intelligence: acquired knowledge and ability to solve problems.
- Crystallized intelligence: factual knowledge ("book smarts").
- Fluid intelligence: problem-solving and adaptability ("street smarts").
- Sternberg’s triarchic theory: analytical, practical, and creative intelligence.
- Gardner’s multiple intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic.
Creativity & Thinking Styles
- Creativity: generating new ideas or solutions; linked to divergent thinking.
- Divergent thinking: thinking of multiple solutions.
- Convergent thinking: finding a single correct answer.
Measuring Intelligence
- IQ (Intelligence Quotient): standardized test score; average is 100.
- Binet developed the first intelligence test; Terman standardized it; Wechsler revised it.
- Flynn effect: IQ scores increase each generation.
- Bell curve: most people score between 85-115 (average); standard deviations mark below/above average.
Learning Disabilities & Sources of Intelligence
- Learning disabilities (e.g., dysgraphia, dyslexia) affect learning, not intelligence.
- Dysgraphia: difficulty writing legibly.
- Dyslexia: mixing up letters/words; most common in children.
- Intelligence is influenced by both genetics (nature) and environment (nurture).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cognition — mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem solving.
- Concept — category grouping similar objects, events, or ideas.
- Schema — mental framework of related concepts.
- Heuristic — a shortcut or general problem-solving strategy.
- Functional Fixedness — fixating on traditional uses for objects.
- IQ (Intelligence Quotient) — standardized score measuring intelligence.
- Flynn Effect — rise in average IQ scores over generations.
- Dysgraphia — difficulty with writing.
- Dyslexia — difficulty recognizing/processing written words.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of biases and problem-solving strategies.
- Read textbook chapter 7 on Thinking and Intelligence.
- Reflect: Is your intelligence more from nature, nurture, or both?