All Flashcards
What is Assimilation?
Fitting new info into existing schemas.
What is Accommodation?
Changing existing schemas to fit new info that doesn't quite fit.
What is the Representativeness Heuristic?
Judging based on how well something matches our stereotypes or prototypes.
What is the Availability Heuristic?
Judging based on how easily examples come to mind.
What is the Gambler's Fallacy?
The belief that random events are influenced by past outcomes.
What is the Sunk-Cost Fallacy?
Continuing to invest in something because of the resources you've already put in, even if it's not rational.
Describe the core idea of cognitive processes.
Cognitive processes are how we make sense of the world, including forming concepts and making decisions.
What is the purpose of schemas in cognitive processing?
Schemas organize our knowledge and expectations about the world, acting like scripts for how things usually go.
How do heuristics influence judgment?
Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow us to make quick decisions, but they can also lead to judgment errors.
How does framing affect decision-making?
The way information is presented (framing) can significantly change our perception and choices, even if the underlying facts are the same.
What role does inhibitory control play in executive functions?
Inhibitory control allows us to suppress impulses and distractions, enabling better focus and decision-making.
How is the concept of 'prototype' applied in everyday categorization?
When asked to think of a 'bird', most people will think of a robin or sparrow (prototypes) rather than a penguin.
How is the availability heuristic applied in risk assessment?
People often overestimate the risk of dying in a plane crash because these events are highly publicized and easily come to mind.
How is 'framing' used in marketing?
A product described as '90% fat-free' is more appealing than one described as '10% fat', even though they are the same.
How can understanding mental set help in problem-solving?
Recognizing that you're stuck in a mental set can prompt you to try new approaches, leading to more creative solutions.
How can divergent thinking be applied in brainstorming sessions?
Encouraging participants to generate as many ideas as possible, regardless of feasibility, fosters divergent thinking and leads to innovative solutions.
How does the sunk-cost fallacy affect investment decisions?
Investors may hold onto losing stocks longer than they should because they don't want to admit the initial investment was a mistake.
How are executive functions used in academic settings?
Students use executive functions to plan study schedules, manage time during exams, and regulate their attention in class.
How can priming be used in advertising?
Showing images of happy families in commercials can prime viewers to associate the product with positive emotions.
How does the representativeness heuristic affect hiring decisions?
A hiring manager might favor a candidate who fits the stereotype of a successful employee, even if other candidates are more qualified.
How does understanding cognitive biases help in financial planning?
Recognizing biases like the gambler's fallacy helps individuals make more rational investment decisions and avoid risky behaviors.
Compare assimilation and accommodation.
Assimilation fits new information into existing schemas, while accommodation changes existing schemas to fit new information.
Compare algorithms and heuristics.
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution, while heuristics are mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions but don't guarantee accuracy.
Compare representativeness and availability heuristics.
Representativeness heuristic judges based on stereotypes, while availability heuristic judges based on how easily examples come to mind.
Compare divergent thinking and functional fixedness.
Divergent thinking explores multiple solutions, while functional fixedness limits thinking to the traditional use of an object.
Compare the gambler's fallacy and the sunk-cost fallacy.
Gambler's fallacy is the belief that past random events influence future ones, while the sunk-cost fallacy is continuing to invest in something due to prior investments.
Compare priming and framing.
Priming involves exposure to a stimulus influencing a subsequent response, while framing involves how information is presented affecting perception.
Compare concepts and schemas.
Concepts are mental categories grouping similar things, while schemas are mental frameworks organizing knowledge and expectations.
Compare creativity and executive functions.
Creativity is the ability to generate novel ideas, while executive functions are higher-order processes for planning and organization.