7.10 - Key Terms

Bilingualism is the ability to use two languages proficiently. This means not just being able to speak a language, but understanding it well enough to think, read, and communicate effectively. Bilingual individuals can switch between languages depending on the context or audience, effectively bridging cultural gaps.

Brainstorming encourages individuals to think freely and produce as many ideas as possible without worrying about their practicality at first. After the ideas are generated, the group can evaluate which ones are most viable. The goal is to tap into the creativity of all participants to foster innovative solutions.

Concepts help us organize and categorize knowledge, allowing us to understand the world around us more efficiently. For instance, the concept of 'dog' encompasses various breeds, sizes, and colors but is linked by the common feature of being a pet animal that barks. Concepts simplify decision-making by grouping similar items, making it easier to process information.

In convergent thinking, a person uses logic and reasoning to arrive at a single, best solution to a problem. This kind of thinking is often used in standardized testing, where the questions have one correct answer. It emphasizes the ability to analyze facts and come to conclusions based on known information.

Creativity is the ability to think outside the box and generate new and useful ideas. It is not limited to arts and crafts but can be applied in various fields like science, business, and everyday problem-solving. Creativity allows individuals to approach challenges with innovative methods, leading to improvements and breakthroughs.

In decision-making, individuals must weigh the pros and cons of different choices, often considering their values and long-term effects. This process helps in choosing the best course of action among alternatives, whether in personal life, work, or education.

Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. If the initial premises are true, the conclusion drawn is also true. This method is commonly used in mathematics and logic.

Divergent thinking encourages individuals to explore many possible solutions to a problem rather than attempting to find just one correct answer. This type of thought is vital for creativity since it allows for multiple perspectives and innovative ideas to emerge.

Functional fixedness restricts individuals from seeing alternative uses for objects. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving, as it prevents people from thinking creatively about how to utilize tools in different contexts. It highlights the importance of flexibility in thinking when confronted with challenges.

Illumination is the moment in the creative process when a new idea or solution comes to mind, often unexpectedly. It can feel like an 'aha' moment, where everything falls into place and the answer is clear. This is part of the broader process of creativity, which also includes preparation, incubation, and verification.

Mental images allow individuals to visualize situations, making it easier to process thoughts and ideas. These images can arise from memories or imagination and play a significant role in problem-solving by helping to simulate scenarios or outcomes in the mind.

During incubation, individuals take a break from actively thinking about a problem, which can surprisingly lead to a solution later. This period allows the mind to subconsciously process information and often results in creative insights appearing when least expected.

Inductive reasoning starts with specific observations or instances and builds toward a general conclusion. It is commonly used in science and everyday life to make predictions based on patterns seen in data. However, conclusions drawn through induction are not guaranteed to be true.

Judgment involves evaluating information to reach conclusions about concepts, situations, or individuals. It requires critical thinking skills to assess data and make informed decisions, acknowledging that judgments can be subjective and influenced by personal biases.

Mental representations are internal depictions of the world that allow individuals to process, retrieve, and communicate information. This can take the form of words, images, or even emotions, enabling individuals to think and reason about various concepts.

A mental set can provide efficiency in problem-solving by applying known strategies to similar situations. However, relying too heavily on past solutions may prevent individuals from discovering new and more effective approaches.

Multilingualism expands on bilingualism by incorporating multiple languages into an individual's communication repertoire. It allows for greater flexibility in interacting with diverse cultures, contributing to richer social experiences and better understanding across linguistic barriers.

Problem solving involves identifying a problem, exploring possible solutions, and selecting the best option to achieve the desired outcome. It incorporates various cognitive skills, including reasoning, creativity, and analytical thinking to navigate challenges effectively.

Reasoning involves logical thinking and the evaluation of information to infer conclusions. It can be deductive or inductive in nature, guiding individuals through various processes of understanding and decision-making by examining relationships between concepts.

Remote association allows individuals to make connections between different ideas or concepts that may not appear connected at first glance. This cognitive flexibility fosters creativity and can lead to innovative solutions by combining diverse elements of thinking.

Syntax is crucial in language as it determines how words create meaningful sentences. Proper syntax allows for clear communication, ensuring that the intended message is conveyed accurately. Understanding syntax improves both written and spoken language skills.

Thinking encompasses various cognitive activities, including problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making. It involves both conscious and unconscious processes to manipulate information and ideas, forming the basis for how individuals understand the world.