Deck 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

Question 1

We tend to organize concepts into ___________, which relate the concepts according to levels.

A)hierarchies
B)channels
C)functions
D)none of these

Answer 1

A

Question 2

During language development, children exhibit overinclusion of instances within a category such as calling a raccoon a cat. What is this referred to as?

A)overextension
B)underextension
C)overgeneralization
D)none of these

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Two-year-old Melissa calls the postman "Daddy" when she sees a man with large shoes and long pants at their doorstep. Her mother says, "No, that's the postman!" Melissa is displaying __________ and her mother is teaching by __________.

A)overextensions; negative instances
B)overgeneralization; positive instances
C)overextensions; positive instances
D)overgeneralization; negative instances

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The term thinking generally refers to

A)any mental activity.
B)a conscious, planned attempt to make sense of things.
C)conscious or unconscious mental processes.
D)formal reasoning and problem solving.

Question 5

What does thinking enable individuals to do?

A)create computers
B)balance a checkbook
C)understand mathematical formulas
D)all of these

Question 6

Many simple prototypes, such as cat and blue, are taught by means of __________.

A)hierarchies
B)overextensions
C)exemplars
D)none of these

Question 7

A sofa, bed, and table are __________ of the category furniture, but a magazine rack, lamp, and piano bench are not.

A)positive instances
B)negative instances
C)exemplars
D)prototypes

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an example of an abstract concept?

A)square root
B)bachelor
C)dog
D)justice

Question 9

What would be a prototype for the category "weather"?

A)sunny
B)rainy
C)cloudy
D)all of these

Question 10

The mental activity involved in understanding, processing, and communicating information is called

A)thinking.
B)memory.
C)learning.
D)consciousness.

Question 11

Mental categories used to class together objects, relations, events, abstractions or qualities that have common properties are called

A)mental problems.
B)concepts.
C)thoughts.
D)daydreams.

Question 12

Which of the following is a difference between a prototype and an exemplar?

A)Prototypes are examples used to teach exemplars.
B)Exemplars are examples used to teach prototypes.
C)Prototypes are negatives instances.
D)Prototypes are positive instances whereas exemplars are negative instances.

Question 13

To teach his child the prototype for cat, Dad points to many examples in books, at home, on TV and in the neighborhood, while saying the word "cat." These are __________ of the cat concept.

A)positive instances
B)negative instances
C)positive overextensions
D)prototypes

Question 14

When asked to define the essential features of the category "bird," Jim thinks of a robin or cardinal while describing the class "bird." Jim is using __________ to define the category "bird."

A)ideas
B)concepts
C)overextensions
D)exemplars

Question 15

Examples that best match the essential features of categories are called

A)concepts.
B)prototypes.
C)ideas.
D)thoughts.

Question 16

Which of the following would NOT be categorized as belonging to the same "concept" as the other three?

A)vision
B)taste
C)speech
D)smell

Question 17

Eight-year-old Stephanie understands that her dog Boodles is a dog and that all dogs are animals. Stephanie's concept of animal is

A)intuitive.
B)ideational.
C)overextended.
D)hierarchical.

Question 18

Which of the following can be categorized as belonging to the same concept as "mineral"?

A)magazine
B)newspaper
C)rock
D)cell

Question 19

When trying to explain the concepts of "fruit" and "vegetable," we may say "That potato is not a fruit, it is a vegetable." In this example

A)potato is a positive exemplar of the prototype fruit.
B)potato is a negative exemplar of the prototype vegetable.
C)potato is both a negative and a positive exemplar, depending upon the prototype considered.
D)none of these.

Question 20

Simple prototypes can be taught by means of exemplars, or pointing out examples that fit and those that do not. What are these examples referred to as?

A)positive or negative reinforcers
B)positive or negative instances
C)positive or negative outcomes
D)all of these

Question 21

If Country A bases its current policy toward Country B on Country B's past behavior, Country A is using

A)common sense.
B)an algorithm.
C)a subgoal analysis.
D)an analogy.

Question 22

When we apply the solution of an earlier problem to a new but similar problem we are using an __________.

A)analogy
B)algorithm
C)analysis
D)anagram

Question 23

In problem solving with heuristic devices, what is the discrepancy between our current situation and our goals bridged by?

A)systematic random search
B)trial and error
C)means-ends analysis
D)exemplars and prototypes

Question 24

You can't remember the last number in your best friend's telephone number. You need to reach him/her, so you decide to keep trying different numbers until you find the right one. What is this method called?

A)systematic random search
B)means-end analysis
C)tried and True method
D)frame of reference approach

Question 25

If Matt tells you, "I had pretty much the same problem with the exhaust system of my car. You need to go to the auto supply shop and buy an inexpensive patch kit for the exhaust pipe. This should hold up until you are ready to replace the exhaust pipe." Matt's suggestion is an example of

A)subgoal analysis.
B)algorithm.
C)analogy heuristic.
D)trial and error.

Question 26

Algorithms are usually time-consuming whereas ________ provide a more rapid solution, when they work.

A)anagrams
B)formulas
C)searches
D)heuristics

Question 27

Gene described his symptoms to Dr. Ashley, who told him that his illness was just a case of the flu virus that had been infecting many of her patients. Dr. Ashley probably used __________ to come to her diagnosis.

A)an analogy heuristic
B)means-ends analysis
C)an algorithm
D)systematic random search

Question 28

Albert lost the keys to his car sometime between the time he locked it and his return to the car about three hours later. Albert retraced his steps, going to all of the places he visited after he initially locked the car. Albert is using __________ to find his keys.

A)trial and error
B)an algorithm
C)a heuristic
D)divination

Question 29

Rules of thumb that help simplify and solve problems are called

A)heuristics.
B)analogies.
C)mental sets.
D)algorithms.

Question 30

What is a disadvantage of heuristic devices when compared with algorithms in problem solving?

A)Correct solutions may not be revealed.
B)Alternative solutions are generated at a slower rate.
C)There are too many solutions to consider.
D)They are less efficient than using algorithms.

Question 31

When her car would not start, Joan began to solve the problem by turning on the headlights to see whether the battery was dead. Her approach is an example of a(n)

A)algorithm.
B)heuristic.
C)systematic random search.
D)analogous application.

Question 32

After setting a five-year goal for their company, a group of managers look at where the company is today and the steps needed to achieve the end goal. They are using a technique called

A)analogies.
B)random search.
C)means-end analysis.
D)none of these.

Question 33

An _________ problem requires reorganization of a group of letters to form words.

A)algorithm
B)analogy
C)anagram
D)none of these

Question 34

"Look before you leap" may be used as a(n) __________ to avoid danger.

A)mental set
B)systematic random search
C)heuristic
D)intuition

Question 35

John, a computer hacker, set up a program to crack the five-digit password to his computer that he had somehow forgotten. John used a(n) __________ algorithm to reveal the password.

A)means-ends analysis
B)analogy
C)trial and error
D)systematic random search

Question 36

Novel problems are often perplexing because it is difficult to

A)tell which information is relevant to the solution.
B)stay focused without daydreaming.
C)relate the solution to unconscious needs.
D)relate them to real life.

Question 37

When Francine formulated her New Year's resolutions for her health, finances, and relationships, she probably used __________ to formulate her goals and subgoals for each resolution.

A)analogous application
B)trial and error
C)an algorithm
D)means-ends analysis

Question 38

If you are given a physics problem, what might aid your understanding of the problem?

A)Your mental representations of the parts of the problem relate to one another in a meaningful way.
B)The mentally represented parts of the problem correspond to the elements of the problem in reality.
C)Having taken courses in physics that provide the background knowledge for solving the problem.
D)All of these.

Question 39

A problem-solving technique that involves a specific procedure for the particular type of problem is called

A)a computer.
B)an algorithm.
C)a concept.
D)an analogy.

Question 40

Don solves puzzles and problems with ease. He probably uses all of the following EXCEPT

A)algorithms.
B)heuristics.
C)hypnosis.
D)analogies.

Question 41

Experts are to parallel processing as novices are to __________.

A)serial processing
B)unipolar processing
C)one-sided processing
D)all of these

Question 42

Dr. Newson, an intern in pediatrics, takes note of the symptoms described by the infant's parents, then checks the baby's temperature, then listens to the baby's breathing, and finally orders a blood test. Dr. Newson is probably using __________ in making a diagnosis.

A)a mental set
B)common sense
C)parallel processing
D)serial processing

Question 43

In regard to problem solving, functional fixedness __________ solutions.

A)facilitates
B)hinders
C)does not affect
D)promotes

Question 44

What is another term for the "Aha!" experience?

A)mental set
B)serial processing
C)parallel processing
D)insight

Question 45

What conclusion may be drawn about problem solving from Maier's studies with Bismark?

A)Only humans can solve problems by means of insight.
B)A rat has demonstrated insight under laboratory conditions.
C)A rat has demonstrated trial-and-error learning under laboratory conditions.
D)Rats are capable of insight under a variety of conditions.

Question 46

One plausible explanation of the incubation effect is

A)the tendency to allow the unconscious to free up insights.
B)distancing problem solvers from persistent but unproductive mental sets.
C)conscious searching for heuristic devices.
D)spontaneous means-end analysis.

Question 47

Cosmo worked on a difficult calculus problem for several hours to no avail. He decided to take a break from his labors by taking a bath. Midway through his bath, he jumped up and shouted, "Eureka, I solved the problem!" He then ran to his desk and made the calculations. Cosmo allowed __________ to help him overcome the __________ that impeded solution.

A)incubation; mental set
B)a rest period; functional fixedness
C)insight; mental set
D)incubation; functional fixedness

Question 48

Walking away from a problem temporarily can allow for _________ to help overcome mental sets that interfere with finding the correction solution.

A)industry
B)incantation
C)influence
D)incubation

Question 49

Dr. Arndt, an experienced pediatrician, checked the baby's temperature and listened to the baby's breathing through the stethoscope while considering the symptoms described by the baby's parents. Dr. Arndt was probably using ________ in making a diagnosis.

A)a mental set
B)systematic random search
C)serial processing
D)parallel processing

Question 50

The tendency to solve new problems with an approach that solved a similar problem in the past is called

A)insight.
B)an algorithm.
C)a mental set.
D)intelligence.

Question 51

When an expert can deal with two or more elements of a problem simultaneously, this is called

A)primitive processing.
B)parallel processing.
C)dual processing.
D)none of these.

Question 52

Consider this problem: "A farmer had 15 sheep. All but 7 died. How many sheep did he have left?" Megan, the math major, arrived at the wrong answer; she said 8. Her response was probably based upon

A)a mental set.
B)functional fixedness.
C)parallel processing.
D)overconfidence.

Question 53

The ability to generate solutions to a problem by using objects in a new or novel way is blocked by

A)functional fixedness.
B)creativity.
C)mental sets.
D)both a & c.

Question 54

Crossword puzzle experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than neophytes. Select the skill that in your judgment would least contribute to making a person an expert in solving crossword puzzles.

A)an inborn aptitude for crossword puzzles
B)good memory for the elements of crossword puzzles
C)efficient methods for solving crossword puzzles
D)relating a puzzle to others similar in structure

Question 55

Several factors can affect one's effectiveness at solving problems. These include

A)your memory for elements of the problem
B)your insight into the problem.
C)your level of expertise
D)all of these.

Question 56

Why do experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than novices?

A)They can remember the elements of the problem.
B)They can mentally represent the parts of the problem.
C)They can relate the problem to similar problems.
D)All of these.

Question 57

If you are confused by a multiple-choice question because you notice that several choices are correct, but fail to notice that the question asks, "Which is not correct?" you may have experienced the effect of

A)overanticipation.
B)a mental set.
C)overextension.
D)insight.

Question 58

What did N. R. F. Maier's studies of problem solving with Bismark show?

A)Insight was possible in only chimpanzees and humans.
B)Rats were capable of trial-and-error learning.
C)Insight was distributed among mammals.
D)Rats gradually acquired the skills to solve problems.

Question 59

A novice problem solver is likely to try to handle one aspect of the problem at a time. This is called ________ processing.

A)one-sided
B)unipolar
C)serial
D)none of these

Question 60

Which of the following is a hindrance to efficient problem solving ability?

A)function fixedness
B)mental set
C)serial processing
D)all of these

Question 61

As a juror attempting to make a decision regarding the possible guilt of a defendant, you recall how the lawyer kept referring to this individual as a criminal, so you assume he/she must be guilty. You have allowed the _________ to influence your decision-making.

A)representative heuristic
B)availability effect
C)framing effect
D)all of these.

Question 62

An optimist says the glass is half full, and the pessimist says it is half empty. Each of these points of view illustrates the

A)representativeness heuristic.
B)availability heuristic.
C)anchoring and adjustment heuristic.
D)power of divergent thinking.

Question 63

"I have good news and bad news about my grades," Peter told his father. "The good news is very good and the bad news is not so bad!" What strategy is Peter using to soften his father's judgment about his grades?

A)availability heuristic
B)anchoring and adjustment heuristic
C)representativeness heuristic
D)framing effect

Question 64

The way in which information is presented and/or the context in which information is presented can influence decision-making. What does this refers to?

A)the anchoring and adjustment heuristic
B)inductive reasoning
C)exemplars
D)the framing effect

Question 65

We often base our estimates of the likelihood of events on how easily information is accessed. This describes the __________ heuristic.

A)availability.
B)representativeness.
C)framing.
D)anchoring and adjustment.

Question 66

Your friend wants you to go to a movie with him, but you aren't sure if you will like the film. Your friend tries to convince you to go by explaining that all of your other friends who saw the film claimed it was the best film they had seen in years. Your friend is using the ________ to influence your decision.

A)availability heuristics
B)framing effect
C)basic heuristics
D)both a & b

Question 67

In making decisions, people tend to focus on examples that confirm their judgments and ignore instances that do not. This process often leads to

A)overconfidence.
B)overbearing behavior.
C)divergent thinking.
D)availability heuristic.

Question 68

Pat Murphy, a police officer of Irish ethnic background, has a black belt in Karate and smokes cigars. On the basis of which rule of thumb do we assume that Pat is male?

A)availability heuristic
B)representativeness heuristic
C)anchoring & adjustment heuristic
D)means-end analysis

Question 69

You just met your new supervisor and perceived her to be cold, calculating and intimidating. Your friend, who has worked with this individual before, assures you the supervisor isn't really as you perceive. You have doubts about your friend's perception because of

A)anchoring and adjustment heuristics.
B)availability heuristics.
C)representative heuristics.
D)basic heuristics.

Question 70

One conclusion that may be drawn about the certainty of the judgments made on both sides of the O.J. Simpson murder trial (the African-American perspective that focused on the behavior of the Los Angeles Police Department and the white perspective that saw the case as one of spouse abuse and double murder) is the extent to which evidence from the opposing perspective was ignored or dismissed. This neglect of contradictory information is evidence of __________ in decision-making.

A)divergent thinking
B)overconfidence
C)the availability heuristic
D)the framing effect

Question 71

Giovanni's car was in a snow bank, and his rear wheels were without traction. He used his ski jacket under one tire and a flattened cardboard box under the other tire to provide the traction he needed to get the car out of the snow bank. Giovanni did NOT show __________ in coming to this solution.

A)functional fixedness
B)insight
C)a mental set
D)creativity

Question 72

People tend to make decisions based on shortcuts such as

A)representative heuristics.
B)availability heuristics.
C)anchoring and adjustment heuristics.
D)all of these.

Question 73

Mr. Dithering, an office manager of a service company, believes that he is an excellent judge of character and that he can spot a talented prospective employee in a brief interview. Often he will point out his successful hires, but fails to acknowledge poorly performing employees he hired. What does Mr. Dithering's judgment suffer from?

A)divergent thinking
B)inductive reasoning
C)overconfidence
D)a lack of confidence

Question 74

Creative people are able to overcome problem solving interference caused by

A)functional fixedness.
B)mental sets.
C)incubation.
D)a & b only.

Question 75

The anchoring and adjustment heuristic leads people to rely on __________ to help them make decisions.

A)the most reliable information they receive
B)their initial views, adjusted somewhat if necessary
C)information that remains stable and unchanging
D)friends who have reached decisions

Question 76

Ernest studied the frequency of repair records for several makes of cars he was thinking of buying. He was about to buy a Volvo when his brother told him that two of their friends had a lot of repairs on their Volvos and were unhappy with the cars. On the basis of this information, Ernest reconsidered his decision. Which rule of thumb may have been responsible for Ernest's change of mind?

A)representativeness heuristic
B)emotionality heuristic
C)deductive reasoning
D)availability heuristic

Question 77

The representativeness heuristic leads people to make judgments about events according to

A)their recent experiences with such events.
B)the population of events that they appear to represent.
C)how easy it is to find relevant events.
D)how well those events are presented in memory.

Question 78

The mayor of a large city announced that the incidence of major crimes was down for the third year in a row. Yet a poll of residents who regularly watched the evening news on TV revealed that they still felt the frequency of criminal acts was high and they felt unsafe living in the city. Which rule of thumb was responsible for the persistence of the residents' fears?

A)representativeness heuristic
B)persistence heuristic
C)anchoring and adjustment heuristic
D)availability heuristic

Question 79

Barbara was asked whether Americans bought more American-made cars than foreign-made cars. To come up with an answer, Barbara based her opinion on the cars her friends drove. What is this decision process indicative of?

A)representative heuristics
B)availability heuristics
C)basic heuristics
D)anchoring and adjustment heuristics

Question 80

In a debate on welfare reform, the conservative candidate made her presentation, followed by the moderate candidate, and closing with the liberal candidate. The candidates made equally strong presentations of their views. A poll of those who watched revealed a tendency to take the position of the conservative candidate more than the others. This outcome may have been due to the __________ heuristic.

A)availability
B)representativeness
C)anchoring and adjustment
D)framing