The process of solving problems by combining ideas or behavior in new ways

What are the methods people use to solve problems and make decisions, and can a machine be made to think like a person?

Problem solving consists of thinking and behaving in certain ways to reach a goal.
Mechanical solutions include trial-and-error learning and rote solutions.
Algorithms are a type of rote solution in which one follows step-by-step procedures for solving certain types of problems.
A heuristic or "rule of thumb" is a strategy that narrows down the possible solutions for a problem.
Insight is the sudden perception of a solution to a problem.
Artificial intelligence refers to the attempt to create a machine that thinks like a human being.
Although some computers have been designed that can play chess and perform in similiar ways to a human, the true flexibility of human thought processes has yet to be developed in a machine.

Why does problem solving sometimes fail, and what is meant by creative thinking?

Functional fixedness is the tendency to perceieve objects as having only the use for which they were originially intended and, therefore, failing to see them as possible tools for solving other problems.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for evidence that confirms one's beliefs, ignoring any evidence to the contrary.
Diverent thinking involves coming up with as many different answeres as possible. This is a kind of creativity ( combining ideas or behavior in new ways).
Creative people are usually good at mental imagery and have knowledge on a wide range of topics, are unafraid to be different, value their independence, and are often unconventional in their work but not in other areas.

How do psychologists define intelligence, and how do various theories of intelligence differ?

Intelligence is the ability to understand the world, think rationally or logically, and use resources effectively when faced with challenges or problems.
Spearman proposed general intelligence, or s factor, includes task-specific abilities in certain areas such as music, business, or art.
Gardner propsed nine different types of intelligence, ranging from verbal, linguistitc, and mathematical to interpersonal and intrepersonal intelligence.
Sternberg proposed three types of intelligence : analytical, creative, and practical.
Emotional intelligence is viewed as a powerful influence on success in life.

How is intelligence measured and how are intelligence tests constructed?

The standford-Binet Intelligence Test yields an IQ score that was once determined by dividing the mental age of the person by the chronological age and multiplying that quotient by 100 but now involves comparing a person's score to a standardized norm.
The Wechsler intelligence tests yield a verbal score and a performance score as well as an overal score of intelligence.
Standardization, validity, and reliability are all important factors in the construction of an intelligence test.
Deviation IQs are based on the normal curve, defining different levels of intelligence based on the deviation of scores from a common mean.
IQ tests are often criticized for being culturally biased.

What is mental retardation and what are its causes?

Mental retardation o developmental delay is a condition in which IQ falls below 70 and adaptive behavior is severely deficient for a person of a particular chronological age.
The four levels of delay are mild (55-70)
moderate ( 40-55) and profound ( below 25 IQ)
Causes of developmental delay include deprived environments as well as chromosome and gentic disorders and dietary deficiencies

What defines giftedness, and does being intellectually gifted guarentee succes in life?

Gifted persons are defined as those having IQ scores at the pper end of the normal curve ( 130 or above)
Terman conducted a longitudinal study that demonstrated that figted children grow up to be succeful adults for the most part Terman's study had been criticized for a lack of objectivity because terman became too involves in the levies of several of his participants, even to the point of intervening on their behalf.

What is the influence of heredity and environment on the development of intelligence?

Stronger correlations are found between IQ scores as genetic relatedness increases heritabilityof IQ is estimated at .50
IN 1994, Hernstein and murray published The Bell Curve in which they made widely criticized claims about the heriatanility of intelligence.

How is language defined, and what are its different elements and structure?

Language is a system forr combining symbols so that an infinity number of meaningful statements can be created and communicated to others.
Grammeris the system of rules by which language is governed, and includes the rules for using phonemes, morgemes and syntax. Pragmatics refers to pratical aspects of language

Does language influence the way people think, and are animals capable of learning language?

Sapir and Whorf originally propsed that language controls and helps the development of thought and processes and concepts an idea that is known as the lingustioc relativity hypotheseis.
Other researchers have found evidence that cocepts are universal and directly influences the development of language called thecognitive universalism viewpoint.
Studies with cimpanzees, parrots, and dolphines have been somewhat successful in demonstrating that animals can develop a basic kind of language including some abstract idea.s
Controversyexists over the lack of evidence that animals can learn syntaz, which some feel means that animals are not truely learning and using language.

What are some ways to improve thinking?

Mental activity that requires creativity and teh use of memory abilities, such as working crossword puzzles and reading books, can help to keep the brain fit.

What is the process of solving problems by combining ideas or behavior in new ways?

What is the tendency for people to persist in using problem

What is cognition in psychology?

What problem