Intelligence and Problem Solving Quiz

What is the best definition of a concept?

• A mental shortcut for solving problems

• A cognitive framework for organizing information

• A mental category grouping similar items or ideas

• A step-by-step strategy for decision-making

Answer explanation

Answer: C. A mental category grouping similar items or ideas.
Explanation: Concepts help organize information by grouping related things together. For example, the concept of "vehicles" includes cars, trucks, and bicycles.

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2.2.A

Which of the following is an example of a natural concept?

• A mathematical equation

• A circle

• Snow from personal experience

• A prototype of a superhero

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Snow from personal experience.

Explanation: Natural concepts are based on experience. Seeing and touching snow helps form a natural concept, whereas artificial concepts (like a triangle) are defined by rules.

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2.2.A

A heuristic is best described as:

• A systematic method of solving problems.

• A general problem-solving strategy or mental shortcut.

• The ability to work backward from a solution.

• An automatic schema used in decision-making.

Answer explanation

Answer: B. A general problem-solving strategy or mental shortcut.

Explanation: Heuristics are quick strategies, like choosing a brand of toothpaste because it’s familiar rather than comparing all brands. A heuristic is a general problem-solving strategy or mental shortcut that simplifies decision-making and problem-solving processes, making it easier to find solutions without exhaustive analysis.

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2.2.A

Which of the following biases involves focusing on one piece of information when making a decision?

• Availability bias

• Anchoring bias

• Representativeness bias

• Hindsight bias

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Anchoring bias.
Explanation: Anchoring bias happens when the first piece of information affects decision-making. Anchoring bias occurs when individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the 'anchor') when making decisions, often leading to skewed judgments. For instance, a high starting price in negotiations might anchor expectations.

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2.2.A

Functional fixedness refers to:

• Overestimating the likelihood of recent events.

• Failing to use an object in a new way to solve a problem.

• Using past strategies that are no longer effective.

• Judging someone based on stereotypes.

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Failing to use an object in a new way to solve a problem.
Explanation: Functional fixedness is the cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. If you need to tighten a screw but only have a coin, functional fixedness might prevent you from seeing the coin as a screwdriver substitute.

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2.2.A

What is the primary focus of Spearman’s theory of intelligence?

• Intelligence as multiple, independent abilities.

• Emotional and practical intelligence.

• A single general intelligence factor (g).

• Intelligence as cultural and contextual.

Answer explanation

Answer: C. A single general intelligence factor (g).
Explanation: Spearman proposed a general intelligence underlying all mental abilities, explaining why performance across different tasks is often correlated.

Spearman's theory emphasizes a single general intelligence factor, known as 'g', which underlies various cognitive abilities, contrasting with theories that propose multiple independent intelligences.

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2.8.A

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences suggests that:

• Intelligence can be measured with a single IQ score.

• Emotional intelligence is the most critical form of intelligence.

• People have distinct types of intelligence like musical and spatial.

• Intelligence is inherited and fixed at birth.

Answer explanation

Answer: C. People have distinct types of intelligence like musical and spatial.
Explanation: Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences posits that individuals possess various types of intelligence, rather than a single IQ score. Gardner identified eight intelligences, such as musical, interpersonal, and kinesthetic. For instance, a musician might excel in musical intelligence but not logical-mathematical intelligence. This highlights the diversity of human capabilities.

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2.8.A

Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence includes:

• Verbal, mathematical, and spatial intelligence.

• Logical, emotional, and creative intelligence.

• Analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.

• Crystallized and fluid intelligence.

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.

Explanation: ASternberg’s triarchic theory identifies three types of intelligence: analytical (problem-solving), creative (innovation), and practical (application in real-world situations, like managing time.)

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2.8.A

Which theory emphasizes understanding and regulating emotions?

• Multiple intelligences theory

• Emotional intelligence theory

• General intelligence theory

• Triarchic theory of intelligence

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Emotional intelligence theory.

Explanation: Emotional intelligence theory focuses on the ability to understand and manage emotions (your own and others'). For instance, a leader who motivates a team effectively shows emotional intelligence.

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2.8.A

A strength of Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is:

• It is empirically validated across cultures.

• It recognizes a variety of talents and skills.

• It provides a universal way to measure intelligence.

• It focuses on logical and mathematical abilities.

Answer explanation

Answer: B. It recognizes a variety of talents and skills.

Explanation: A strength of Gardner’s theory is that it recognizes a variety of talents and skills, highlighting the diverse ways individuals can demonstrate intelligence like athletic ability (bodily-kinesthetic intelligence), beyond traditional measures like IQ tests.

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2.8.A