Introduction: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

What are some of the basic characteristics of mental images?

• They are always accurate representations of reality.

• They can be manipulated and transformed.

• They are only visual in nature.

• They cannot be influenced by emotions.

Answer explanation

Mental images can be manipulated and transformed, allowing individuals to alter their perceptions. This flexibility contrasts with the other options, which are inaccurate or overly restrictive regarding the nature of mental imagery.

Mental images can be manipulated by:

• Visualizing different perspectives

• Ignoring them

• Forgetting them

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Mental images can be manipulated by visualizing different perspectives, allowing one to alter how they perceive and interact with those images. Ignoring or forgetting them does not facilitate manipulation.

Concepts are mental representations that are formed through the process of:

• perception and experience

• random guessing

• imagination only

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Concepts are formed through perception and experience, as they involve interpreting sensory information and learning from interactions with the environment. This makes 'perception and experience' the correct choice.

Explain how concepts are formed according to the passage.

• Concepts are formed through observation and categorization.

• Concepts are formed through random guessing.

• Concepts are formed by memorizing facts.

• Concepts are formed by trial and error.

Answer explanation

Concepts are formed through observation and categorization, as this process allows individuals to identify patterns and group similar ideas, leading to a clearer understanding of the world.

Insight is a cognitive process that involves understanding complex situations or problems. How does insight work?

• By analyzing data systematically

• Through sudden realization or understanding

• By following a step-by-step procedure

• Through trial and error

Answer explanation

Insight works through sudden realization or understanding, allowing individuals to grasp complex problems intuitively rather than through systematic analysis or trial and error.

How can functional fixedness and mental set interfere with problem solving?

• Functional fixedness and mental set can limit the ability to see alternative solutions.

• They enhance creativity and lead to better problem-solving strategies.

• They have no impact on problem-solving abilities.

• They simplify the problem-solving process by providing clear guidelines.

Answer explanation

Functional fixedness and mental set restrict thinking by causing individuals to focus on familiar solutions, preventing them from recognizing alternative approaches to problem-solving.

What is trial and error?

• Individual instances of a concept or category, held in memory.

• A problem-solving strategy that involves attempting different solutions and eliminating those that do not work.

• Thinking and behavior directed toward attaining a goal.

Answer explanation

Trial and error is a problem-solving strategy where various solutions are tried, and those that fail are discarded. This method emphasizes learning from mistakes to find the correct solution, making it the best choice.

What is an algorithm in problem-solving?

• A) A strategy that involves trial and error

• B) A problem-solving strategy that involves following a specific rule, procedure, or method that inevitably produces the correct solution

• C) A sudden realization of how a problem can be solved

Answer explanation

An algorithm is a structured problem-solving approach that follows specific rules or procedures, ensuring a correct solution. This aligns with choice B, while A describes trial and error, and C refers to insight.

Define heuristic in the context of problem-solving.

• A heuristic is a problem-solving strategy that involves following a general rule of thumb to reduce the number of possible solutions.

• A heuristic is a detailed step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

• A heuristic is a mathematical formula used to calculate probabilities.

• A heuristic is a computer algorithm that guarantees an optimal solution.

Answer explanation

A heuristic simplifies problem-solving by using general rules of thumb, making it easier to find solutions without exhaustive searching. This distinguishes it from detailed procedures or algorithms that guarantee optimal results.

What is insight in problem-solving?

• A) A methodical approach to solving problems

• B) The sudden realization of how a problem can be solved

• C) A strategy that involves following a specific rule

Answer explanation

Insight in problem-solving refers to the sudden realization of how a problem can be solved, making option B the correct choice. It contrasts with methodical approaches or strict strategies.