Cognition
Mental processes involved in thinking and understanding. Example: Solving a math problem.
Metacognition
Thinking about your own thinking. Example: Realizing you study better with flashcards.
Concepts
Mental groupings of similar things. Example: The concept of “dogs” includes all breeds.
Prototype
Best example of a category. Example: A robin is a common prototype for a bird.
Schemas
Frameworks that organize information. Example: A schema for “restaurant” includes menus, ordering, and paying.
Assimilate
Using old schemas to interpret new info. Example: Calling a zebra a “striped horse.”
Accomadate
Changing schemas to fit new info. Example: Learning zebras are a separate animal and updating your schema.
Creativity
Producing new and valuable ideas. Example: Designing an original art project.
Convergent
Thinking that finds one best answer. Example: Choosing the correct answer on a multiple-choice test.
Divergent
Thinking that produces many solutions. Example: Listing all possible uses for a paperclip.
Expertise
Deep knowledge in a specific area. Example: A chess master remembering complex board patterns.
Intrinsic Motivation
Doing something because you enjoy it. Example: Playing piano for fun.
Executive Function
Planning, decision-making, self-control. Example: Organizing tasks before starting homework.
Algorithm
Step-by-step method guaranteeing a solution. Example: Using a math formula to solve an equation.
Heuristic
Shortcut strategy that speeds problem-solving. Example: Using “rules of thumb” to make quick decisions.
Insight
Sudden realization of a solution. Example: The answer pops into your head while showering.
Confirmation Bias
Seeking info that supports beliefs. Example: Only reading news that matches your opinions.
Fixation
Inability to see a problem in a new way. Example: Trying the same broken solution repeatedly.
Mental Set
Using old strategies because they worked before. Example: Solving all problems with the same method even when it stops working.
Intuition
Automatic, gut-feeling judgments. Example: Instantly liking or disliking someone.
Representative Heuristic
Judging based on similarity to a prototype. Example: Assuming a quiet, bookish person is a librarian.
Availability Heuristic
Judging likelihood based on examples that come to mind. Example: Thinking plane crashes are common after seeing one on the news.
Overconfidence
Overestimating accuracy of beliefs. Example: Being sure you aced a test you did poorly on.
Belief Perseverence
Sticking to beliefs even after evidence disproves them. Example: Still believing a myth after seeing real data.
Framing
How wording influences decisions. Example: Choosing a product labeled “90% fat-free.”
Nudge
Small change that influences behavior. Example: Putting fruit at eye level to encourage healthy choices.