Cognition 7BThinking, problem solving creativity and language

Working with a partner to better understandMust submit example sheet at end of period

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CreativityThe ability to use

information in new and original ways

All problem solving requires creativity

Creativity includes flexibility

Recombination and insight

5 components to creative thinking

Expertise – The more you know in a specific area, the more solutions

Imaginative thinking skills – cartoon thinking, (living on sun not earth)

Venturesome personality – perseveres obstacles Intrinsic environment – satisfaction Creative environment -

Availability Heuristic Estimating the likelihood of events based

on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind (perhaps because of their vividness), we presume such events are common.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-J9A8UEERE

Representativeness Heuristic Judging the likelihood of things in terms of

how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes; may lead us to ignore other relevant information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JJ21Kd0LO8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VgF5xMqphE&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Examples of each w/partner Representativeness Heuristic Availability Heuristic

What hinders our problem solving? (examples w/partner)

Confirmation Bias –searching for ideas to confirm your own theories

Fixation-inability to see a problem from fresh perspective

Mental set- mindset of what has worked by others or self in past

Functional fixedness- searching for screwdriver when a penny could of done the job.

Algorithm Vs. Heuristic

Algorithm Step by step procedure that guarantee a

solution. But step by step algorithm can be tiring!!

algorithms concerns a specific set of finite steps in order to bring about a solution whereas heuristics offer possible means to arrive upon an answer.

Example Algorithm Someone who has forgotten their glasses may

develop an algorithm for copying the correct information from a white board at school similar to:

1. Attempt to read information. If this is possible, copy it down. If not, refer to step 2. 2. Squint eyes in an attempt to read the information. If this is possible, copy it down. If not, refer to step 3. 3.Ask a neighbor what the information says. If this is possible, copy this down. If not, refer to step 4.

The steps of this algorithm will carry on until the objective, namely copying down the notes, is reached.

Heuristics A simple thinking strategy that often allows us

to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; using speedier but also more detail than algorithm.

Forgot my glasses: Call mom to drop off Borrow my friend who has same prescription

Page 300 in book ; grocery vs. grocery isle Examples w/partner of heuristic vs. algorithm

Amnesia Often caused by a traumatic injury to

the brain, such as a concussion Retrograde amnesia Past memories Anterograde amnesia New Memories

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Retrospective vs. Prospective Memory (examples)

Retrospective memory: past experience or events and previously acquired information.

elementary school memorieschildhood memories

Prospective memory: things you need to do in the future

Homework Graduate

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Childhood AmnesiaA normal phase

of development that accounts for the lack of memory before the ages of 3

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How Do Children Learn Language?

B.F. Skinner and operant conditioning

Behavior is reinforced with smiles and attention

Children understand before they speak

Children learn language through observation

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Noam Chomsky A mental programLAD – language

acquisition device Infants possess an

innate capacity for language

Transformational grammar – rules of lange.

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Stages of Language Development

Birth/infancy: cries, distress

2 months: cooing4 months: babble9 months:

babbling is refined

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Stages (continued)examplesBy 1 year: single

words are uttered(dadda)

By 2 years: two words together (50–100 words)(me play)

By 4 years: complete sentences

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The Structure of Language Four rules

1. Phonemes2. Morphemes3. Syntax4. Semantics

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Phonemes Individual sounds

that are basic structural elements of language

100 different and recognizable sounds

Ex. Sh or t, vowels

Example

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Morphemes The smallest unit of meaning in a given

language Made up of one or more phonemes Phonemes are units of sound, morphemes

are units of meaning Example; a word, prefix or suffix, ex. Book,

love, reason are single morphemes Love is morpheme but loves have 2

morphemes Love + s = 2

SyntaxLanguage rules that govern how

words can be combined to form meaningful phrases and sentences

Syntax varies from language to language

“I would like a muffin”, shouted John.

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Semantics The study of meaning in language The same word can have different

meanings

“Do you mind if I sit next to you?” and “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Clearly the word “mind” has different meanings in each of these sentences. Our knowledge of semantics helps us realize which meaning applies to which instance. In the first sentence, “mind” functions as a verb; in the second sentence, it functions as a noun.

Turn in partner paperMake sure you both have your names written on it.