2.2: Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgments, and Decision-Making

Divergent Thinking

• A thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions.

• A method for solving problems by following a linear path.

• A technique for evaluating the effectiveness of a single solution.

• A strategy for avoiding creative ideas and sticking to traditional methods.

Algorithms

• Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution to a problem.

• Random guesses to solve problems.

• A collection of unrelated tasks.

• A method to create confusion in problem-solving.

Mental Set

• A tendency to approach situations in a certain way because that method worked in the past.

• A psychological condition where a person is unable to adapt to new situations.

• A cognitive bias that leads to overconfidence in one's own abilities.

• A method of problem-solving that involves trial and error.

Prototypes

• A mental image or best example of a category.

• A detailed description of a product.

• A rough draft of a project plan.

• A final version of a completed work.

Functional Fixedness

• A cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used.

• A method of problem-solving that encourages creative thinking.

• A psychological phenomenon where individuals forget how to use common tools.

• A strategy for enhancing memory retention through repetition.

Heuristics

• Simple, efficient rules which people often use to form judgments and make decisions.

• Complex algorithms used for data analysis.

• Detailed statistical methods for accurate predictions.

• Random guesses made in uncertain situations.

Accommodation

• The process of altering existing schemas or creating new ones in response to new information.

• A method of storing information in long-term memory.

• The ability to recall information without cues.

• A technique for improving memory retention through repetition.

Availability Heuristic

• A mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to a person's mind.

• A method of decision-making based on statistical analysis.

• A cognitive bias that leads to overestimating the importance of information that is readily available.

• A strategy for solving problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.

Executive Functions

• Cognitive processes that regulate, control, and manage other cognitive processes.

• A type of physical exercise for improving brain health.

• A set of rules for managing a business effectively.

• A method for enhancing memory retention.

Representativeness Heuristic

• A cognitive bias in which an individual categorizes a situation based on how similar it is to a typical case.

• A method of decision-making that relies on statistical analysis.

• A strategy for solving problems that involves breaking them down into smaller parts.

• A tendency to overestimate the likelihood of rare events.