Concept: mental representation of a group or category that shares similar characteristics
Natural concepts: formed by everyday experiences "I know one when I see one"
Prototype: a "good example" of a concept--one that comes to mind easily
Artificial concepts: formed by logical, specific rules
We organize much of our declarative memories into concept hierarchies
Algorithms: Problem-solving procedures or formulas that guarantee a correct outcome if applied correctly
Heuristics: Cognitive strategies used as shortcuts to solve complex mental tasks; do not guarantee a correct solution (some examples include working backwards, searching for analogies, and breaking the problem into smaller problems)
Obstacles to problem solving
Mental set: Tendency to respond to a new problem in the manner used for a previous problem
Functional fixedness: Inability to perceive a new use for an object associated with a different purpose
Confirmation bias: Ignoring or finding fault with information that does not fit our opinions, and seeking information with which we agree
Hindsight bias: tendency, after learning about an event, to believe that one could have predicted the event in advance
Availability heuristic: Faulty heuristic strategy that estimates probabilities based on information that can be recalled from personal experience
Links from the Web Resources for this chapter from the Student Companion Site to Psychology in Action
Concept Mapping Homepage
Center for Research on Concepts and Cognition
