Ch. 7

Cognition and Language

1. Building Blocks of Thought A. Language

A flexible system of symbols that enables us to communicate our ideas, thoughts, and feelings

Nonhumans communicate primarily though signs Human language is semantic, or meaningful. It is also characterized by displacement

Not limited to the here-and-now

When we wish to communicate an idea, we start with a thought, then choose words and phrases that will express the idea, and produce the speech sounds of those words and phrases. To understand speech, the task is reversed.

B. Structure of Language Phonemes - basic sounds (ph, t) Morphemes - smallest meaning unit (words, prefixes) Surface structure

Phrases of sentence Deep structure

Underlying meaning of a sentence Grammar -rules of how sounds combine

C. Images Mental pictures of perceptions

D. Concepts Prototypes

Model with most typical features

2. Problem Solving A. Algorithms and Heuristics

Algorithms - formula that guarantees solution (math/science formulas)

Heuristic- formula (rule of thumb) but does not guarantee solution

Hill climbing Each step is closer to goal

Subgoals Important because manageable

B. Experience and Expertise C. Obstacles to Solving Problems

Mental sets Tendency to see things a certain way Match Problem

Functional fixedness Only see a limited number of uses Elevator Problem – Write Down Your Solution Elevator Solution

D. Becoming Better at Problem Solving Eliminate poor choices

Evaluate by criteria and discard Visualize a solution

Diagram

E. Creative Problem Solving Convergent thinking (one solution) Divergent thinking (creative, flexible) Brainstorming

Produces many ideas Very popular in business Do NOT judge ideas as generated

The creative process Produce something new and unique that is

socially valued

3. Decision Making A. Weighing Pros and Cons

Compensatory model Click here to view the Decision Making table

B. Decision-Making Heuristic Representativeness heuristic

Compare to stereotypical model Availability heuristic

Based on most easily obtained info Confirmation bias

Biased in favor of our belief Prejudice or self-esteem problems

C. Framing See the problem in a new context

D. Decision Under Pressure Hindsight bias Counter factual thinking

4. Language, Thought, and Culture

A. Language and Cognition Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis

Patterns of thinking determined by specific language

Figurative Language Creative

Simile -“like a lion in combat” Irony - meaning the opposite “That was a great

test”

B. Culture and Cognition All known cultures use categories to form concepts Culture shapes

What information is included in a category How categories are shaped by experience

5. Nonhuman Thought and Language

Animal cognition Animals can form concepts Apes have demonstrated sophisticated problem-

solving skills Chimpanzees and orangutans show signs of self-

awareness The question of cognition

Chimpanzees have been taught to use American Sign Language

Chimpanzees have been observed using telegraphic speech (two-word combinations)