Cognitive Psychology Notes

Cognitive Psychology Notes
Problem solving and decision making- Typology of problems
Solutions reached by group are far better than individuals.

Prob solving occurs when we need to overcome an obstacle to
answer a question. If we have no immediate answer ONLY
then it is actually a problem.
There is always ambiguity in how each problem can be
solved. There is not always a fixed way to go with.
- Emotions can impact problem solving. emotionally
intelligent people (ability to identify emotions in others
and regulate emotions in oneself)
-
Greater variety of skills and greater collaboration.
Problem solving cycle
1.Problem identification- sometimes knowing it’s a prob is a
challenge in itself. Eg- staying out of the way of a car or a
goal is obstructed, u must find books to even begin studying
cognitive psych
2.Definition of problem- you should be able to understand the

book and is able to connect it with the chapters
3.Constructing a strategy for problem solving- may require a
strategy to be solved. Analysis is the way to go by.
4. Organizing info about a prob
5. allocation of resources
6. Monitoring problem solving
7.evaluating problem solving
1. Problem Identification: Recognizing the need for books

to study cognitive psychology can be challenging,
especially if you're not familiar with the field or where to
start looking.
2. Definition of Problem: Once you've identified the
problem, defining it becomes crucial. In this case, it's
about finding books that not only cover the subject but
also allow you to understand the material and connect it
with the chapters.
3. Constructing a Strategy for Problem Solving: This
involves planning how you will approach the problem.
You might start by researching recommended textbooks,
checking university libraries, and online resources.
4. Organizing Info about a Problem: This step involves
gathering relevant information about the available books,
their content, and reviews to make an informed decision.
5. Allocation of Resources: Determine what resources you
need to solve the problem, such as time for research,
money for purchasing books, and access to libraries or
online databases.
6. Monitoring Problem Solving: Throughout the process,
it's important to monitor your progress and adjust your
strategy if needed. For example, if you're not finding
suitable books, you might need to expand your search
criteria.
7. Evaluating Problem Solving: After you've found and
started using the books, evaluate whether they meet your
needs. Are you able to understand the material and
connect it with the chapters? If not, you may need to
revisit your strategy and find additional resources.
By following these steps, you can effectively address the
challenge of finding books to study cognitive psychology.
Problem is a conflict between a situation and another situation

we wish to produce. Thinking we do is goal directed
Rule guided motivated problem solving.

Rules
-Algorithm: A set of rules which if followed correctly will
guarantee a solution to a problem. For e.g.- doing
multiplication of two digits or solving a bodmas prob u
immediately think of all the rules and ways u have learnt to do
it and its done. Most problems don’t have algorithms so here
comes the next one
Heuristics- Strategies based on past experiences with
problems. Likely give a solution but cannot guarantee it.
One common way is to break down the problem into smaller
problems.
-Means-end analysis- Each step leads closer to the desired

goal. Computer problems are also solved by this.
-Practise in solving problems in a particular way gives people
a set to use the same rules on other problems.
-Set maybe induced by immediately preceding experience,
long-established practice or by instructions. Like joker telling
people words like MacDonald and MacTavish and then spells
machinery to know if people still pronounce it as MacHinery.
-Set biases the thinker at the start.
- warnings can help
-reducing no. of practise trials or separating practice and
critical trials by weeks or days.
Functional fixedness- a specific set that can divert us in the

wrong direction. It is a set to use objects the way we are
accustomed. Leaving it for some time and coming back to it
with a fresh mind might break the ff.
DECISION MAKING
When we are presented with several alternatives among which
we must choose. An investor buys one stock, we choose one
college, we choose a stream, Honda or Volkswagen
Problem solving strategies -Trial and error and insight barriers
to problem solving
Subjective probabilities – guessed at, or perceived, probably
estimates. We do not know the precise likelihoods of decisions
We trying to attain a psychological value or perceived benefit
in making their decisions. UTILITY
Maximising gains.
People will take decisions that will maximize subjectively
expected utility.
SEU * Utility = Alternative of best possible value
In real-life situations we use thumb rules and heuristics.
Types of problems
According to clear paths to a solution
Well-structured problems have clear paths to solutions Also
called well-defined problems. E.g. area of a square
-Not clear but easy path problems in school
The application of a formula specially. In psycho research cog
psychologists might asl u to solve less content specific well-
structured problems.
Move Problems, as they require a series of moves.

A problem space is the universe of all possible actions that
can be applied to solving a problem given any constraints that
apply to the solution of the problem.
Ill-structured lack clear path to solutions.

Creativity- trying to create an impact
Scientist bring out new ways of studying nature studying own
theories and those of others.
Creative solutions are those what people have not thought of
before.
Einstein and his formula
Newton and gravity
Creativity gives us a new of conceptualising the world around
us
New and novel
In arts it requires unconscious rearrangement of symbols
There is a sudden appearance of a new idea called as insight
Insight requires testing and it was reported that no. of
conscious failed thoughts it happens suddenly when u r
engaged in a completely unrelated task.
Nature
Convergent thinking- concerned with a particular end result.
Thinker gathers relevant info then proceeds to find the
solution but based on what someone has already produced.
Not for creative thinking
Divergent thinking- thinking in many directions or varied
ways for a problem. Also includes Autistic thinking- abstract,
free association in which symbol and thoughts have private
meanings, unfocused thinking can bring solutions
Converg think to get or collect data as building material for

ultimate creative solution.
CHARACTERSTICS OF CREATIVE THINKERS-

-Measuring high on standardized tests but not always the
highest brackets
-talented in some way, maths, music, art abilities that can be
used to search for new ideas
-diligence and strong motivation to work
-prefer complexity and some degree of apparent imbalance
-Independent in judgement
-High order thinking. Self-assertive and dominant
-Dislike thought policing and limitations
-origence- Dislike conventional approaches and would rather
do their own thing, non-conformity and is interested in artistic
or literary matters that don’t have a correct answer.
Guilford 1967- proposed that “real” ps involved actively,

seeking constructing new ideas that fit with constraints
imposed by a task or more generally by the environment.
Stages in Creative thinking and barriers to creative
thinking
Reviewing works of various creative thinkers and reading
interviews, questionnaires GRAHAM WALLAS studied steps
in thinking and found a recurring pattern.
5 STAGES
Preparation- formulating the problem and collecting facts
and materials considered necessary for the new solution
Incubation
Watson feels problem need weeks and months. So, either
deliberately or unintentionally the experimenter turns away
from the problem.
Some instances and activities interfere with the solution that
time. But some might provide solutions or hints.
Illumination- Creative thinking continues and u might realise

that a solution can now be reached. “Aha” or insight
experience.
Evaluation – Apparent solution is tested to see if
satisfactorily solves the problem.
U can be back to square one if the solution is accurate.
Sometimes the idea also needs modifications or minor
changes to be “really” good at this stage.
Revision- Thus revision occurs
Studying creative thinking can also be done by looking at how
it differs from the more routine kinds of thinking,
Watson and crick explained DNA discovery in the Double

Helix
Multivariate approach to creativity

Amabile (1996)- componential model- where creativity
stems from dominant relevant skills – knowledge, technical
skills. Ability to break mental set, heuristics for idea
generation and task motivation.

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Cognitive Psychology Notes

Problem solving and decision making- Typology of problems

Solutions reached by group are far better than individuals.

2.Definition of problem- you should be able to understand the

1. Problem Identification: Recognizing the need for books

Problem is a conflict between a situation and another situation

Rule guided motivated problem solving.

-Means-end analysis- Each step leads closer to the desired

Functional fixedness- a specific set that can divert us in the

Move Problems, as they require a series of moves.

Ill-structured lack clear path to solutions.

Converg think to get or collect data as building material for

CHARACTERSTICS OF CREATIVE THINKERS-

Guilford 1967- proposed that “real” ps involved actively,

Illumination- Creative thinking continues and u might realise

Watson and crick explained DNA discovery in the Double

Multivariate approach to creativity

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