Language

Language / Semantics “What you hate is walking. This is hiking – hiking is different from walking.” Unit VII. Cognition

B. Language Language – Symbols and Rules Language is: – Symbolic – Generative – Structured Unit VII. Cognition

Language is Symbolic We use words and sounds (and gestures) to represent objects, events, actions and ideas – The symbolic nature of language greatly expands what we can communicate about – Allows us to communicate about past, future, and other places – Allows us to imagine and communicate what we imagine

Language is Generative A limited amount of sounds can be combined to create unlimited novel messages We daily use reflexive “stock sayings” But we also create new and unique messages

Language is Structured

Biological Foundations of Language Noam Chomsky basic argument is that there exists an innate language acquisition device, a neural program that prepares them to learn language Behaviorists view the process of language acquisition as a building process that results from interaction with the environment Skinner views the child as the "passive subject of operant conditioning in whom randomly occurring behavior is selectively reinforced"

Stages of Development in the Acquisition of Language Average AgeLanguage MilestonesMotor Milestones 6 months Cooing, changes to distinct babbling by introduction of consonants Sits using hands for support; unilateral reaching 1 year Beginning of language understanding; one- word utterances Stands; walks when held by one hand

Average Age Language MilestonesMotor Milestones months Words used singly; repertory of words (simple nouns, adjectives, and action words), which cannot as yet be joined in phrases but are used one at a time. Does not use functors (the, and, can, be) necessary for syntax, but makes good progress in understanding Grasping and release fully developed; walking; creeps downstairs backward

Average Age Language MilestonesMotor Milestones months Two-word (telegraphic) phrases ordered according to syntactic rules; vocabulary of 50 to several hundred words; understands propositional rules Runs (and falls); walks stairs with one foot forward 2-5 years New words every day; three or more words in many combinations; functors begin to appear; many grammatical errors and idiosyncratic expressions; good understanding of language Jumps with both feet

Average AgeLanguage MilestonesMotor Milestones 3 yearsFull sentences; few errors; vocabulary of around 1,000 words Tiptoes; walks stairs with alternating feet 4 yearsClose to adult speech competence Jumps over rope; hops on one foot; walks on a line

Mishearing Words in Songs / Secret Asian Man "Excuse me while I kiss this guy“ " donuts make my brown eyes blue" "I'll never leave your pizza burning" "On a dark desert highway, cool whip in my hair“ "She's got electric boobs, and no hair, too....." "...the girl with colitis goes by"! "Bakin' carrot biscuits.“ "There's a bathroom on the right“

“LADLE RAT ROTTEN HUT” Wants pawn term, dare worsted ladle gull hoe lift wetter murder inner ladle cordage, honor itch offer lodge, dock florist. Disk ladle gull orphan worry putty ladle rat cluck wetter putty ladle rat hut, end fur disk raisin pimple colder Ladle Rat Rotten Hut.

C. Thinking Concepts Mental groupings of similar objects, events, etc. Category hierarchies Structured groupings of concepts Prototypes A best example that incorporates all of the features that we associate with a category What bird is most often mentioned in literature?

Example of Category hierarchy

D. Problem Solving and Creativity Solving Problems Making decisions / Forming judgments – Heuristics Representativeness heuritic Availability heuristic – Framing decisions Belief Bias Belief perseverance

Problem Solving “And don’t forget – make it look like an accident.”

Problem Solving Approaches Trial and Error Algorithms Heuristics Using Sub-goals Working Backward

Problem Solving: Working Backward

Obstacles in Problem Solving Confirmation Bias A confirmation bias is a type of cognitive bias in which people tend to seek out information which agrees with previously held beliefs They also give more weight to information which supports their beliefs, while discarding contradictory information Unit VII. Cognition

Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for nonsmart reasons. Michael Shermer

Examples of Where Confirmation Bias might have an effect Curses / Good luck charms Conspiracy theories Lunar effect Astrology “Alternative” health practices ESP

Strategies for dealing with Confirmation Bias Consider alternative hypotheses- view the problem from different perspectives. Look for evidence to disprove your ideas. Showing an idea is incorrect is every bit as important as showing an idea is correct. Maintain objectivity in evaluating ideas to minimize personal bias. Draw conclusions based upon the evidence, not upon your personal beliefs.

Fixation – The inability to see a problem from a fresh perspective. Two types of fixation – Functional Fixedness Tendency to view physical objects in terms of their traditional uses – Mental Set Tendency to use past successful or unsuccessful solutions when faced with a new problem

Confirmation Bias Unit VII. Cognition Notice all the computations, theoretical scribblings, and lab equipment, Norm... Yes curiosity killed these cats.”

ROPE PROBLE M SOLUTIO N

Rope Solution 1

Rope Solution 2

Rope Solution 3