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.