PSYC 1101 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Nicaraguan Sign Language, David Wechsler, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
15 Dec 2016
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Exam 3 Study Guide
LANGUAGE AND COGNITION
Concepts and Prototypes
● Concepts- mental grouping of similar objects, events, states, ideas, people, etc.
○ Can be communicated by an image or a word
○ Concepts are formed by definitions and prototypes
● Prototypes- mental images of the best example of a concept
○ More inclusive than definitions
○ Fail when:
■ Examples stretch our definition
■ Boundaries between concepts is fuzzy
■ Examples contradict our boundaries
Problem-Solving Strategies (Trial and Error, Algorithms, Heuristics)
● Trial and Error- trying various solutions until one is found
○ Up to chance whether a solution is found or not
○ Example: wandering aimlessly through aisles looking for cereal
● Algorithms- step by step strategy for solving problems, methodically leading to a
specific solution
○ May be tedious and time-consuming but a solution will always be found
○ Example: checking every single aisle for cereal
● Heuristics- strategy or principle which generates a solution quickly, but has potential
room for error
○ May be faster but sometimes less efficient
○ Example: looking in the “Breakfast Foods” and “Grains” aisles for cereal
Confirmation Bias, Mental Set, and Functional Fixedness
● All are obstacles in problem-solving processes
● Confirmation Bias- tendency to search for information which validates our current
theory
○ Must be avoided in research
● Mental Set- tendency to approach problems using a mindset that has previously been
successful
○ Makes it difficult to consider other plausible and potentially more successful
procedures
● Functional Fixedness- tendency to view objects inflexibly and only in terms of their
typical functions
○ String Problem and Candle Problem
Availability Heuristic
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● Availability Heuristic- estimating the likelihood of an event based on how much it
stands out in our minds
○ Vivid memories aid in the availability heuristic
Overconfidence and Belief Persistence
● Overconfidence- tendency to be more confident than correct
○ May be instinctive due to survival value
○ Must be avoided in order to be successful
● Belief Persistence- tendency to hold on to our beliefs when facing contradictory
evidence
○ Integral part of stereotypes
Framing
● Framing- focus, emphasis, or perspective that affects our judgements and decisions
○ The phrasing of something can affect your perception of it
Properties of Language
● Phonemes- smallest units of sound
○ Vowels and consonants
● Morphemes- units of meaning
○ Suffixes and prefixes
● Grammar- use of words
○ Semantics, definitions, connotations, syntax
○ How order of words make meaning
Time Period of Language Development
● 10 new words per day between the ages of 2 and 8
● There is a critical period in which learning a language is exceedingly easier than later in
life
○ The case of Genie demonstrated this critical time
● Children usually begin talking a little after age 1
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○ Language acquisition starts slow and then “explodes”
Language Acquisition in Nonverbal Individuals
● Deaf and blind children have other heightened senses
● Sign languages have the same syntax as speaking languages
○ Nicaraguan Sign Language
■ Complex language has developed just in the last 50 years
Animals and Language
● Other animals can learn definitions and some context of language
● Lack syntax to communicate effectively
● Lack ability to tell things in previous or future terms
Pros and Cons of Bilingualism
● Easier to learn a second language earlier in life
○ Prime time period: ages 3-7
● Different languages provide:
○ Different adjectives for more interpersonal (Eastern cultures) or more self-focused
(Western cultures) emotions
○ Potentially altered personalities based on language
■ Example: speak Hindi at home with family, speak English with friends
● Bilinguality comes with:
○ Numerous brain connections and neural networks
○ Ability to suppress one language while using another
○ Tends to allow for another level of executive control
■ Resisting distraction, inhibiting impulses etc.
INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence- How We Define It, Single vs. Multiple Intelligences
● Intelligence- ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to
adapt to new situations
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Document Summary
Concepts- mental grouping of similar objects, events, states, ideas, people, etc. Can be communicated by an image or a word. Concepts are formed by definitions and prototypes. Prototypes- mental images of the best example of a concept. Trial and error- trying various solutions until one is found. Up to chance whether a solution is found or not. Example: wandering aimlessly through aisles looking for cereal. Algorithms- step by step strategy for solving problems, methodically leading to a specific solution. May be tedious and time-consuming but a solution will always be found. Example: checking every single aisle for cereal. Heuristics- strategy or principle which generates a solution quickly, but has potential room for error. May be faster but sometimes less efficient. Example: looking in the breakfast foods and grains aisles for cereal. Confirmation bias- tendency to search for information which validates our current theory. Mental set- tendency to approach problems using a mindset that has previously been successful.
