AP Psych problem solving and cognitive biases
This study set covers problem-solving techniques and cognitive biases relevant to AP Psychology. It includes key terms, examples, and distinctions necessary for exam preparation.
Quiz(32 questions)
1. What is a heuristic?
Terms in this Study Set(32)
Problem Solving Techniques(16)
What is a heuristic?
A mental shortcut that allows people to solve problems quickly. Often involves focusing on one aspect and ignoring others.
True or False: Algorithms guarantee a solution.
True. Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that will always lead to a solution if followed correctly.
Define trial and error.
A problem-solving method involving attempting various solutions until one works. Often inefficient but can be effective for simple problems.
What is means-end analysis?
A problem-solving strategy that involves breaking a problem into smaller, more manageable parts and creating sub-goals to achieve the final goal.
Fill in the blank: The __________ method involves visualizing the end goal.
Working backwards. This technique starts from the desired outcome and works back through the steps needed to reach it.
What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?
Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from specific instances. Deductive reasoning applies general principles to reach specific conclusions.
What is brainstorming?
A group problem-solving technique where all ideas are shared without judgment. Encourages creative thinking and idea generation.
Cause → Effect: Fixing one issue often leads to...
...new problems emerging. This is known as the law of unintended consequences in problem-solving.
What is insight?
A sudden realization of a solution to a problem. Often occurs after a period of incubation, where the problem is not actively being thought about.
What is a mental set?
A tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often based on past experiences. Can limit problem-solving abilities.
True or False: The availability heuristic relies on recent examples.
True. It leads people to overestimate the likelihood of events based on how easily they can recall instances.
What does 'functional fixedness' refer to?
A cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, hindering creative problem-solving.
What is the purpose of a flowchart?
A visual representation that outlines the steps needed to solve a problem. Helps clarify processes and decision points.
Define divergent thinking.
A thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Opposite of convergent thinking.
Example: Solving a math problem using formulas.
A clear application of algorithms. For instance, using to calculate energy needs.
What is a 'solution space'?
The range of possible solutions to a problem. Exploring this space can lead to innovative solutions.
Cognitive Biases(16)
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms existing beliefs.
True or False: Anchoring bias affects numerical estimates based on an initial value.
True - Initial information serves as a reference point.
Example of availability heuristic:
Judging the likelihood of plane crashes based on recent news reports.
What is overconfidence bias?
The tendency to overestimate one’s own abilities and knowledge.
Fill in the blank: The _____ effect is the tendency to rely on the first piece of information encountered.
Anchoring.
Comparison: Self-serving bias vs. Fundamental attribution error
Self-serving bias: Attributing successes to oneself, failures to others. Fundamental attribution error: Overemphasizing personality factors over situational ones.
What is hindsight bias?
The belief that one would have predicted an event after it has already occurred.
True or False: The Dunning-Kruger effect shows that less competent individuals often underestimate their abilities.
False - They overestimate their abilities.
What does the term ‘framing’ refer to?
The way information is presented can significantly affect decision-making.
Cause → Effect: Sunk cost fallacy leads to continued investment in failing projects.
People persist despite losses due to past investments.
What is the bandwagon effect?
The tendency to adopt beliefs or behaviors because others do.
Example of illusory correlation:
Believing that crime rates rise during a full moon despite no evidence.
What is loss aversion?
The tendency to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains.
True or False: Cognitive dissonance occurs when beliefs and actions conflict.
True - It creates discomfort leading to attitude change.
Fill in the blank: The _____ heuristic simplifies decision-making based on past experiences.
Representativeness.
What is the status quo bias?
Preference for the current state of affairs; resistance to change.
Questions in this Study Set(32)
1. What is a heuristic?
2. What does confirmation bias often lead individuals to do?
3. Which of the following statements is true about algorithms?
4. True or False: The anchoring bias can influence financial decisions made by investors.
5. What does trial and error refer to?
6. Which of the following is an example of the availability heuristic?
7. Which of the following best describes means-end analysis?
8. What is overconfidence bias primarily associated with?
9. Fill in the blank: The __________ method involves visualizing the end goal.
10. Fill in the blank: The _____ effect occurs when the first piece of information we receive influences our judgment.
11. What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?
12. Comparison: What is the key difference between self-serving bias and fundamental attribution error?
13. What is brainstorming primarily used for?
14. What does hindsight bias suggest about our perception after an event?
15. Fixing one issue often leads to what phenomenon?
16. True or False: The Dunning-Kruger effect indicates that less competent individuals often overestimate their skills.
17. What is insight in problem-solving?
18. What does ‘framing’ in decision-making refer to?
19. What does a mental set refer to?
20. Cause → Effect: How does the sunk cost fallacy manifest in decision-making?
21. True or False: The availability heuristic relies on recent examples.
22. What is the bandwagon effect?
23. What does 'functional fixedness' refer to?
24. Which of the following is an example of an illusory correlation?
25. What is the purpose of a flowchart?
26. What does loss aversion describe?
27. Define divergent thinking.
28. True or False: Cognitive dissonance occurs when our actions align perfectly with our beliefs.
29. What is an example of using algorithms in math?
30. Fill in the blank: The _____ heuristic often leads to decisions based on how similar something is to a prototype.
31. What is a 'solution space'?
32. What is status quo bias?
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