Chapter 8: Thinking, Language and Intelligence

Group specific concepts as subcategories within broader concepts. This process makes mastering new material faster and easier. EXAMPLE: when you learn all animals that have mitochondria in their cells.

A logical, step-by-step procedure that will always produce the solution.

A simple rule or shortcut that does not guarantee a solution. Heuristics include working backward from the solution and creating subgoals ( stepping-stones to the original goal)

We stick to Mental Sets (problem solving strategies) that worked in the past, rather than trying new, possibly more effective ones.
Functional fixedness- thinking of objects as functioning only in their prescribed, customary way, not letting our inventive instincts run free.

When we judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily recalled (available) other instances of the event are.

We estimate the probability of something based on how well the circumstances match (represent) our prototype.

The ability to produce valued outcomes in a novel way. Characterized by originality, fluency, and flexibility.

Type of thinking where many possibilities are developed from a single starting point.

Prominent theory of creativity, that states creative people tend to "buy low" in the realm of ideas, championing ideas that others dismiss. Ex; entrepreneur might invest in low priced, unpopular stocks, with the impression that they will rise.

Intellectual Ability- enough intelligence to see problems in new light.
Knowledge- sufficient basic knowledge of the problem to effectively evaluate possible solutions.
Thinking Style- novel ideas and ability to distinguish between the worthy and worthless.
Personality- Willngness to grow and change, take risks, and work to overcome obstacles.
Motivation- Sufficient motivation to accomplish the task and more internal than external motivation.
Environment- an environment that supports creativity

Form of communication using sounds and symbols combined according to specified rules.

the smallest units of sound that make up every language. Ex: p in pansy, ng in sting.

The smallest units that carry meaning; they are created by combining phonemes. Ex: unthinkable= un.think.able (prefix=un, root word=think, suffix=able)

A system of rules (syntax and semantics) used to generate acceptable language that enables us to communicate with and understand others. Syntax puts words in order. Semantics- uses words to create meaning

Benjamin Whorf offered example that Eskimos supposedly have many words for snow, therefore they can perceive and think about snow differently from English speakers, who have one word for it.