Question 1

A concept is the mental representation of an object,event,or idea.

Accepted Answer

A concept is indeed a mental representation of an object, event, or idea.

Question 2

One problem with the theory that individuals use prototypes to categorize is that it does not allow for the possibility of graded membership.

Accepted Answer

The prototype theory actually accounts for graded membership, as it suggests that some members of a category are more central or typical than others, indicating a gradient of membership based on similarity to a prototype.

Question 3

Maximizers tend to be more satisfied than satisficers with their purchases because maximizers spend additional time making sure they find the best product.

Accepted Answer

Maximizers often experience more regret and less satisfaction with their decisions because they are more likely to worry about missed opportunities or better options they did not choose, despite spending more time searching for the best product.

Question 4

An example of a superordinate category would be golden retriever,while an example of a subordinate-level category would be animal.

Accepted Answer

A superordinate category is a more general or broad classification, such as "animal," while a subordinate-level category is a more specific classification within the broader category, such as "golden retriever."

Question 5

Children's brains appear to be especially primed to acquire language in a way that adult brains are not.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that children have a heightened ability to acquire language compared to adults. This is likely due to the fact that children's brains are still developing and are more adaptable to learning new information, including language. As a result, they are able to pick up language more easily and quickly than adults.

Question 6

People tend to judge the probability of an event by how easy it is to think of examples of the event.

Accepted Answer

This is known as the availability heuristic, where people rely on easily accessible examples or information to make judgments about probability.

Question 7

The Inuit's use of dozens of different words for snow is evidence that language determines how people categorize the world.

Accepted Answer

Although the Inuit have multiple words for snow, this does not necessarily mean that language determines how people categorize the world. The Inuit's vocabulary for snow is a result of their cultural and environmental needs, as snow plays a significant role in their daily lives. Additionally, studies have shown that different cultures have different ways of categorizing and perceiving the world, but these differences are not necessarily due to language alone.

Question 8

An algorithm is a problem-solving strategy based on a series of rules.

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of instructions to solve a problem or perform a task. The rules in an algorithm help to provide a clear and logical solution to the problem at hand.

Question 9

Research with chimpanzees has clearly demonstrated that nonhumans are capable of acquiring language.

Accepted Answer

While research with chimpanzees has shown they can learn a significant number of signs or symbols and use them in communication, it has not conclusively demonstrated that they can acquire language in the full human sense, including grammar and syntax.

Question 10

All forms of communication can be considered types of language.

Accepted Answer

Language is a specific system of communication that involves structured grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, whereas communication can occur through various means not limited to structured language, such as non-verbal cues, visual symbols, and sounds without linguistic structure.

Deck 8: A: Thought and Language