[3] Cognitive [Decision-Making and Executive Functions]

Question 1

Algorithms

Answer 1

Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution to a problem.

Question 2

Heuristics

Answer 2

Mental shortcuts or “rules of thumb” that facilitate problem solving but may lead to errors.

Question 3

Representativeness heuristic

Answer 3

Judging the likelihood of an event based on how much it resembles a typical case.

Question 4

Availability heuristic

Answer 4

Assessing the probability of events based on how easily examples come to mind.

Question 5

Mental set

Answer 5

The tendency to approach problems in a specific way based on past experience, even if better strategies exist.

Question 6

Priming

Answer 6

Exposure to one stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus without conscious guidance.

Question 7

Framing

Answer 7

The way a problem or decision is presented, which can affect judgment and choices.

Question 8

Gambler’s fallacy

Answer 8

The mistaken belief that if something happens more frequently than normal during some period, it will happen less frequently in the future (or vice versa).

Question 9

Sunk-cost fallacy

Answer 9

The tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, time, or effort has been made, even if further losses are likely.

Question 10

Executive functions

Answer 10

Higher-level cognitive processes that control and regulate behavior, such as planning, decision-making, and problem solving.

Question 11

Creativity

Answer 11

The ability to generate new, original ideas or solve problems in novel ways.

Question 12

Divergent thinking

Answer 12

Thinking that explores many possible solutions, often characterized by spontaneous, free-flowing ideas.

Question 13

Convergent thinking

Answer 13

The process of narrowing down multiple ideas to find a single, best solution.

Question 14

Functional fixedness

Answer 14

The tendency to see objects as only having their typical function, which can limit creative problem-solving.