Thinking, Language, and Intelligence Chapters 10 & 11

Thinking Concept – mental group based on shared similarities We organize our thoughts into concept categories; Easy to make quick judgments. Develop hierarchies for concepts. Prototypes – best example Example: Which is a chair?

Thinking: Problem Solving Algorithm – math formula that guarantees a solution. Heuristic – a general rule of thumb that increases our efficiency; not always correct Insights – sudden realizations

Thinking: Influences Fixation – Strategies that become mental sets; can interfere with diff. ways of thinking. (Functional fixation – extreme) Conformation Bias – Unconscious; -Looking for evidence of truth. Heuristics – Cause us to form habits Overconfidence – More sure of ourselves Framing – way information is worded; tilt our mental images Belief perseverance – Tendency to stick to original beliefs Think

Language Phonemes – smallest units of sound Morphemes – smallest units of meaning Grammar – combination of morphemes and words; Psychology – rules for spoken language. Examples: Children learn grammar before reading; Some can speak languages they can not read or write Babbling Homework: Talking White http://www.nykola.com/archives/000069.html

Intelligence Overview Intelligence – ability to learn from experience Several theories (Gardner and Sternberg) Alfred Binet (French) Stanford-Binet Test IQ (Intelligence Quotient) MA/Actual Age x 100 = IQ