Thinking and Language

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

The communication of information through symbols arranged according to rules. Language is central to communication, and closely tied to the way we think about the world. It develops in the absence of formal instruction and follows similar patterns cross culturally.

Question 2

Phenomes

Answer 2

The smallest categorie of sound our vocal apparatus produces. Different languages use different number of phenomes.

Question 3

Morphemes

Answer 3

The smallest unit of meaning in a language. Most morphemes are also words, or modify the meaning of other words.

Question 4

Syntax

Answer 4

The set of rules of a language by which we construct a sentence.

Question 5

Critical Period

Answer 5

Proficiency at acquiring language is maximal early in life. Being deprived of language during the critical period impedes the ability to fully acquire and use language.

Question 6

Language Development stages

Answer 6

1-2 Months - Cooing
4-10 months - Babbling
6-8 months - specializing in own language while babbling
8-16 months - Single word stage
24 months - two word stage
Telegraphic Speech
3 years - plurals and past tense, but overgeneralized.
Age 5 - All basic rules.

Question 7

Learning-theory approaches

Answer 7

The theory for language acquisition that involves following principles of reinforcement and conditioning. It believes that the more parents speak to children the more proficient they are. Children are praised for using language, but this theory doesn’t really explain language rules (correct grammar, etc.). (Skinner)

Question 8

Interactionist

Answer 8

The learning acquisition theory that believes that we are pre-programmed with the hardware for learning, but develop the software through exposure and environment. Looks at adults as directors for language acquisition, but not pure imitation. Environment produces differences in language.

Question 8

Nativist

Answer 8

The language aquisition theory that believes children are born with all the basic knowledge of language that they need. We have a “language organ” or language acquisition device that is pre-programmed with the info we need. Difficult to falsify. Noam Chomsky

Question 9

Linguistic Relativity (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis)

Answer 9

The theory that the language we speak influences how we think, understand, and perceive the world. Includes egocentric vs geocentric, time perception & metaphors, language & blame.

Question 10

Thinking

Answer 10

The manipulation of mental representations of information.

Question 11

Top-Down Processes

Answer 11

Streamlines cognitive functioning by utilizing pre-existing knowledge to fill in the gaps. Speeds up cognitive processing and helps to reduce complexity of new experiences.

Question 12

Prototypes

Answer 12

Best or most typical example of a concept

Question 13

Concept

Answer 13

Our knowledge and ideas about a set of objects, actions, and characteristics that share core properties.

Question 14

Mental Set

Answer 14

Becoming stuck in a specific problem-solving strategy, inhibiting our ability to generate alternatives.

Question 15

Functional Fixedness

Answer 15

Difficulty conceptualizing that an object typically used for one purpose can be used for another.

Question 16

Algorithm

Answer 16

A rule that, if applied properly, guarentees a solution to the problem. It only works well for well-defined problems and is often time consuming

Question 17

Heuristic

Answer 17

A general problem-solving framework (shortcuts, rules of thumb). Can involve lots of cognitive biases and obstacles. It reduces mental effort and simplifies the decision-making process.

Question 18

Representativeness heuristic

Answer 18

Basing judgements on similarity to an abstract ideal, expectation, or stereotype.

Question 19

Base-rate Fallacy

Answer 19

Base rates aren’t sufficiently taken into account.

Question 20

Availability Heuristic

Answer 20

Basing estimates of frequency or probability on the ease of which examples come to mind.

Question 21

Anchoring Heuristic

Answer 21

Relying on a single piece of information to inform decision -making.

Question 22

Framing

Answer 22

The way a question/statement is formulated can influence decision-making (gain vs loss, survival vs. mortality framing).

Question 23

Hindsight bias

Answer 23

Our tendency to overestimate how well we could have predicted something after it has already occured.

Question 24

Monday Morning Quarterback Phenomena

Answer 24

Someone who says how an event/problem should have been dealt with by others after it has already been dealt with.

Question 25

Confirmation Bias

Answer 25

Occurs when an individual searches for only evidence that will confirm his or her beliefs instead of evidence that might disconfirm them.

Question 26

Belief Perseverance

Answer 26

Occurs when an individual remains committed to their decision or belief even in the face of evidence against it.

Question 27

Maximizing and Satisficing

Answer 27

Maximizing = evaluate every option Satisficing = good enough.