Thought Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the units of thought?
Mental representations, including mental models that describe, explain, or predict the way things work.
What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning starts with a general rule and applies it to a specific case, leading to certain conclusions.
Inductive reasoning starts with specific examples and forms a general rule, leading to probable conclusions.
What are heuristics, and why are they error-prone?
Heuristics are mental shortcuts that are fast and efficient but can lead to errors due to biases like availability and representativeness.
What is functional fixedness in problem solving?
Functional fixedness is the inability to see alternative uses for an object, which can hinder problem-solving.
What is prospect theory?
Prospect theory suggests that people make decisions based on avoiding losses, even when this is risky or irrational, as losses have a greater emotional impact than gains.
What is a prototype in categorization?
a) A mental shortcut
b) A typical example of a category
c) A stored memory of an instance
d) A defining feature
Answer: b) A typical example of a category
What level of abstraction do people naturally tend to use in hierarchies of concepts?
a) Superordinate level
b) Subordinate level
c) Basic level
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Basic level
What level of abstraction do people naturally tend to use in hierarchies of concepts?
a) Superordinate level
b) Subordinate level
c) Basic level
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Basic level
Which reasoning method starts with general principles and leads to specific conclusions?
a) Inductive reasoning
b) Deductive reasoning
c) Analogical reasoning
d) Heuristic reasoning
Answer: b) Deductive reasoning
What is the sunk-cost fallacy?
a) Making decisions based on avoiding losses
b) Making decisions based on past investments
c) Using mental shortcuts to make decisions
d) Comparing an event to a prototype
Answer: b) Making decisions based on past investments
What is the availability heuristic?
a) Comparing an event to a prototype
b) Making decisions based on readily available information
c) Using systematic procedures to solve problems
d) Imagining steps involved in solving a problem
Answer: b) Making decisions based on readily available information
What is an example of a well-defined problem?
a) Becoming happier
b) Playing chess
c) Deciding on a career path
d) Writing a novel
Answer: b) Playing chess
What is mental simulation in problem solving?
a) Testing hypotheses
b) Imagining steps involved in solving a problem
c) Using mental shortcuts
d) Categorizing objects
Answer: b) Imagining steps involved in solving a problem
What is confirmation bias?
a) Searching for evidence that supports what you already believe
b) Using the same techniques that worked in the past
c) Underestimating risks and overestimating positive effects
d) Comparing an event to a prototype
Answer: a) Searching for evidence that supports what you already believe
What is the main characteristic of ill-defined problems?
a) Clear goals and rules
b) No clear starting point or steps
c) Systematic procedures for solutions
d) Defined features and family resemblance
Answer: b) No clear starting point or steps
What is satisficing in decision making?
a) Making decisions based on avoiding losses
b) Making good-enough judgments
c) Using mental shortcuts
d) Comparing alternatives systematically
a: b) Making good-enough judgments
