midterm Flashcards
(79 cards)
What is Functional Fixedness?
The tendency to perceive an object only in terms of its usual function, which can limit problem-solving abilities.
What is a Mental Set?
The tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often based on previous experiences, even if a different approach might be more effective.
What is the difference between Algorithms and Heuristics?
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution, while heuristics are mental shortcuts or ‘rules of thumb’ that simplify problem-solving but don’t always guarantee a correct solution.
What is Inductive Reasoning?
Drawing general conclusions from specific observations.
What is Deductive Reasoning?
Applying general principles to make specific predictions or conclusions.
What is the Availability Heuristic?
Relying on immediate examples that come to mind when making decisions.
What is the Representativeness Heuristic?
Judging the likelihood of an event based on how similar it is to a prototype.
What is Confirmation Bias?
The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one’s preconceptions.
What is Hindsight Bias?
The ‘knew it all along’ effect, believing after the fact that an event was predictable.
What is Loss Aversion?
The tendency to prefer avoiding losses rather than acquiring equivalent gains.
What is the Sunk Cost Fallacy?
Continuing a behavior or endeavor because of previously invested resources, even if it’s no longer beneficial.
What is Anchoring Bias?
Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions.
What is the Gambler’s Fallacy?
The belief that past events affect future events in random activities.
What is the Framing Effect?
People’s decisions are influenced by how information is presented, such as whether something is framed as a loss or gain.
What is Metacognition?
The awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes; thinking about thinking.
What is Cognitive Load?
The amount of mental effort required to process information. Too much load can impair learning and problem-solving.
What is Divergent Thinking?
Generating many possible solutions to a problem.
What is Convergent Thinking?
Narrowing down to the best solution to a problem.
What is Top-down Processing?
Using existing knowledge or expectations to interpret information.
What is Bottom-up Processing?
Building understanding from the ground up, starting with basic data.
What is Trial and Error in problem-solving?
Trying different solutions until one works.
What is Means-End Analysis?
Breaking down a problem into smaller subgoals to reach the final goal.
What are Subgoals?
Dividing a complex task into manageable parts.
What is Insight in problem-solving?
Sudden realization or ‘aha!’ moment.