University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

78

Pages:

2
Author:

do3ran7ut

Module 2.2b Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgments, & Decision Making: Solving Problems & Making Decisions 9. What are executive functions? Executive functions are cognitive processes like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving that guide goal-directed behavior. 10. Explain the difference between algorithms and heuristics. Provide an example of each. - Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that guarantees solving a problem. - - Example: Using a math formula to solve a problem Heuristic: A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to make quick judgments. - Example: Choosing a product based on the brand’s reputation 11. What is insight? Insight is the sudden realization of a solution to a problem. Describe Kohler’s Chimpanzee Study: Kohler observed that chimpanzees could suddenly solve problems, such as using tools to get out-of-reach food, demonstrating insight. 12. Explain the following obstacles to problem solving. a. Conﬁrmation bias: Tendency to search for information that supports our beliefs and instead ignore any disagreeing evidence b. Fixation/functional ﬁxedness: Inability to see a problem from new perspective and limiting objects beyond their usual a use c. Mental set: Tendency to approach problems in a familiar way, even if a new approach would be more efficient d. Overconﬁdence: Tendency to overestimate the validity of our knowledge and beliefs - Explain the sunk-cost fallacy and how it relates to overconfidence: Occurs when we continue a course of action because of previously invested resources, even when it is unwise or dangerous to do so e. Belief Perseverance: Clinging to one’s initial beliefs even after being presented with contrary evidence f. Framing/Wording Effects: How a statement or question is worded can affect decision-making and judgments i. “Nudge”: Subtle change in how choices are presented, influencing decisions without restricting options g. Priming (this term may be found in another unit): Unconscious activation of related concepts in memory, influencing thoughts and behaviors 13. How do we form judgments? a. Intuition: Effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thought b. Representativeness heuristics: Judges the likelihood of something based on how well it matches to the prototype - Explain the Gambler’s Fallacy and relate it to Representativeness Heuristic: Mistaken belief that past random events affect future outcomes, linked to representativeness heuristic since they both consist of comparing prototypes c. Availability heuristics: Estimates the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory - Provide an example of Availability Heuristic: Fearing a car crash more after seeing a news report about a crash, even though the likelihood of getting in one is statistically very rare