Cognition Domain

Thinking

Module 24

Module Overview• Concepts• Problem Solving• Problems Solving Problems

Click on the any of the above hyperlinks to go to that section in the presentation.

Concepts

Module 24: Thinking

Cognitive Abilities

• All the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing and remembering.

Concept

• A mental grouping based on shared similarity.

• Categorizing items in one’s environment

Prototype

• A typical best example incorporating the major features of a concept.

• The closer a new object is to our concept prototype the easier it is to categorize it

Concept Hierarchy

• A means to keep mental information organized from basic concepts to specific ones

Concept Hierarchy

Problem Solving

Module 24: Thinking

Problem Solving:Algorithms

Module 24: Thinking

Algorithms

• A problem-solving strategy that guarantees the solution to a problem.

• Not always the most efficient method

Problem Solving:Heuristics

Module 24: Thinking

Heuristics

• A rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategy that makes a solution more likely and efficient but does not guarantee a solution.

• These can be handy shortcuts, or they can get us into trouble

Problem Solving:Insight

Module 24: Thinking

Insight

• The sudden realization (Aha!) of the solution to a problem.

Problems Solving Problems

Module 24: Thinking

Mental Set

• The tendency to approach a problem in a particular way.

• The set may or may not be helpful in solving a new problem

Problems Solving Problems:Fixation

Module 24: Thinking

Fixation

• A mental set that hinders the solution of a problem.

• One needs to think beyond the mental set to solve the new problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Luchins Water Jar Problem

Functional Fixedness

• The tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions.

Functional Fixedness

• Can you think of a way to use these materials to mount the candle on a bulletin

board?

Functional Fixedness

Problems Solving Problems:

Confirmation Bias

Module 24: Thinking

Confirmation Bias

• The tendency to focus on information that supports preconceptions.

Problems Solving Problems:

Counterproductive Heuristics

Module 24: Thinking

Availability Heuristic

• Estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory.

• Can be correct or incorrect

Problems Solving Problems:

Overconfidence

Module 24: Thinking

Overconfidence

• When confidence is greater than accuracy.

Problems Solving Problems:Framing

Module 24: Thinking

Framing

• How an issue is worded or presented, • which can influence decisions and

judgments.

The End