 What is cognition?  How do we solve problems?  What makes people creative?  What is intelligence?  Is intelligence genetic?

 Cognition refers to the processing of information by the brain  Processes include: Memory Attention Reasoning Language

 Use of heuristics more than algorithms  An algorithm is a set sequence of steps that always leads to the solution (if there is one)

 A heuristic is a shortcut to the solution that is based on experience  Examples: Representativeness heuristic Availability heuristic

 Functional Fixedness  Mental Set

 Expertise/knowledge base  Imagination  Tolerance for risk  Intrinsic motivation  Supportive environment

 Standardized Intelligence Tests WAIS Stanford-Binet  Examples of subtests Digit span Picture arrangement Information

 Individual differences on IQ are correlated with various measures of success  Possibility of self-fulfilling prophecy

 A specific ability can be predicted by: g - general intelligence s - specific factor for that area There are s factors for various areas g affects performance on all tasks

 Linguistic  Logical-mathematical  Musical  Spatial  Bodily-kinesthetic  Intrapersonal  Interpersonal  Naturalistic

 Analytic Intelligence  Creative Intelligence  Practical Intelligence

 Large genetic component to individual differences in IQ scores  The genetic contribution depends on differences in environments