Problem-solving and Language (PSYM207)

Question 1

What are the 7 steps in the problem-solving cycle?

Answer 1

1. Problem Identification
2. Problem Definition and Representation
3. Strategy Formulation
4. Organizational Formulation
5. Resource Allocation
6. Monitoring
7. Evaluation

Question 2

In strategy formulation, what is the difference between divergent and convergent thinking?

Answer 2

Divergent - create a diverse amount of alternative solutions to a problem
Convergent - narrow down the possible solutions to a problem

Question 3

What are the 3 types of problems?

Answer 3

Well-structured (clear solution paths)
Ill-structured (no clear solution path)
Isomorphic (formal structure is the same, content differs)

Question 4

This is the universe of all possible actions that can be applied to solving a problem, given all constraints

Answer 4

Problem Space

Question 5

Sequences of operations that may be repeated over and over again, that in theory they guarantee the solution to a problem

Answer 5

Algorithms

Question 6

Mental shortcuts for solving problems; informal, intuitive, speculative strategies that sometimes lead to an effective solution and sometimes do not

Answer 6

Heuristics

Question 7

This is the study of relationship between the brain, cognition and language

Answer 7

Neurolingustics

Question 8

This is the study of the relationship between social behavior and language

Answer 8

Sociolinguistics

Question 9

What is the principle of conventionality vs principle of contrast?

Answer 9

Conventionality - meaning of words are determined by conventions
Contrast - different words have different meanings

Question 10

What are the 2 fundamental aspects of language?

Answer 10

Verbal comprehension and fluency

Question 11

This is the smallest unit of speech that can be distinguishable

Answer 11

Phoneme

Question 12

This is the smallest unit that denotes meaning within a particular language

Answer 12

Morpheme

Question 13

This is the entire set of morphemes in a given language in a person’s linguistic repertoire

Answer 13

Lexicon

Question 14

This refers to the way in which users of a particular language put words together to form sentences

Answer 14

Syntax

Question 15

What is the difference between a content and function morpheme?

Answer 15

Content - words that convey the bulk meaning of a language
Function - add detail or nuance to the meaning of the content morphemes or help the content morphemes fit the grammatical context