Question 1

What kind of conclusion can we draw from the research on semantic slanting and name calling

Accepted Answer

The research on semantic slanting and name calling suggests that the language we use can influence our thoughts and perceptions, indicating that our thoughts may be shaped by language.

Question 2

Wanda went to the supermarket.She began to feel overwhelmed as she noted 61 varieties of salad dressing.What is most likely the problem Wanda is having,according to Barry Schwartz

Accepted Answer

According to Barry Schwartz's theory of the "paradox of choice," too many options can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm, making it difficult for individuals to make decisions. Wanda's reaction of feeling overwhelmed by the 61 varieties of salad dressing is a typical example of this phenomenon.

Question 3

Michiko lives in Japan,and Krystal,Michiko's pen pal,lives in Canada.Based on the research by Nisbett and his colleagues into cultural differences in cognitive styles,which styles should you predict that each person will tend to use

Accepted Answer

According to Nisbett and his colleagues, Japanese culture tends to promote holistic cognitive styles while Western cultures tend to promote analytic cognitive styles. Therefore, it is predicted that Michiko, who lives in Japan, will tend to use a holistic cognitive style, while Krystal from Canada, a Western culture, will tend to use an analytic cognitive style. Choice B is the only option that reflects these cultural differences.

Question 4

According to Kahneman,which system of thought are we invoking when we scan the environment at a concert looking for a person wearing a red hoodie,when we complete our tax returns,or when we try to maintain a faster walking speed than is normal for us

Accepted Answer

These tasks require focused attention, effort, and deliberate control, which are characteristics of the slow thinking system, also known as System 2.

Question 5

Why would an algorithm be highly inefficient in resolving the matchstick problem

Accepted Answer

The matchstick problem has a limited number of possible solutions, and the algorithm has to try out many different combinations, which makes it highly inefficient for solving this particular puzzle. Therefore, algorithms are most effective when there are relatively many possible solutions to be tried out.

Question 6

What do people focus on if they are using an analytic cognitive style

Accepted Answer

Analytic cognitive style emphasizes focusing on objects and their properties, rather than the overall context, which is more characteristic of a holistic cognitive style.

Question 7

Scott has been trying to write some computer code,but it isn't working.He decided to go to bed and try again in the morning,and when he started again he immediately detected and fixed the problem.What does this example illustrate

Accepted Answer

The incubation effect describes the unconscious mental process that takes place when a person temporarily sets aside a difficult problem and comes back to it with a fresh mind. It is often helpful in problem-solving to take a break and return to the problem later, as Scott did in this example.

Question 8

When people use language to refer to ethnic or racial groups,the wording is often slanted in either a positive or negative direction.What does this reveal

Accepted Answer

The wording used to refer to ethnic or racial groups often reveals the attitude of the speaker towards those groups. Positive wording may indicate a favorable attitude, while negative wording may indicate a prejudiced or discriminatory attitude.

Question 9

Which term refers to the approach to problem solving which is best used when whether you solve the problem hinges on how you envision it

Accepted Answer

Changing the representation of the problem refers to the approach of looking at a problem from a different angle or viewpoint, perhaps even using a different medium, to better understand and solve it. This can be particularly effective when the solution to the problem depends on how it is perceived or envisioned.

Question 10

What is another term for making choices under conditions of uncertainty

Accepted Answer

Making choices under conditions of uncertainty involves taking risks as the outcome is not known with certainty. Therefore, risky decision making is the most appropriate term for this process.

Question 11

Recent research using brain-imaging technology shows that the brain reacts differently to syllables that are either good or bad word candidates.What can we conclude from this

Accepted Answer

The fact that the brain reacts differently to syllables indicates that it is hardwired to recognize sound patterns in language. This does not provide evidence for or against the effectiveness of instructions or reinforcement in language development, nor does it support nativism as the only theoretical approach to language development.

Question 12

What is the correct order of the milestones in language development

Accepted Answer

The correct order of milestones in language development is typically cooing (2-4 months), babbling (6-9 months), first words (10-14 months), and two-word sentences (18-24 months). Option A follows this order correctly. Option B switches the order of cooing and babbling. Option C adds "overregularizations" (errors in grammar that occur as the child begins to apply rules they have learned), which are not necessarily a milestone. Option D includes additional stages (one-word sentence and syntax) which occur later in development.

Question 13

There are two systems of thought which evolutionary theorists have argued human reasoning largely depends on.Which one is best used to make fast decisions

Accepted Answer

Fast and frugal heuristics are best used to make fast decisions because they rely on simple, efficient rules of thumb that allow people to quickly arrive at a satisfactory solution without requiring significant effort or cognitive resources. Traditional decision research and effortful cognition, on the other hand, are more focused on maximizing accuracy and may take more time and effort to implement. Unbounded decision-making is not a commonly recognized system of thought in evolutionary theory.

Question 14

Janet Werker's pioneering research on infants has led to which important question regarding language development

Accepted Answer

Janet Werker's research focuses on the critical period in language development, exploring when and how infants can distinguish between different phonetic sounds, which relates to the concept of a critical period for language acquisition.

Question 15

According to Herbert Simon,people do not always live up to ideal goals of rationality in making decisions.Rather,they tend to use simple strategies which only focus on a few facets of the available options.What is this behavioural economic theory called

Accepted Answer

This theory is called the theory of bounded rationality, which suggests that people have limitations in their ability to make completely rational decisions due to cognitive limitations such as a limited attention span or lack of information. Instead, people tend to rely on simplified decision-making strategies that help them make decisions that are "good enough" rather than optimal.

Question 16

Which statement best describes effective decision making

Accepted Answer

Effective decision making does not always require a lengthy and thorough analysis. In some situations, quick decisions made through heuristics (simple decision-making shortcuts) can be effective. However, it is important to balance speed with rationality and consider potential outcomes before deciding. Intuition, while not always reliable, can also be a useful tool when backed up by relevant experience and knowledge. Therefore, option C is the best statement as it recognizes that effective decision making can come in different forms depending on the situation.

Question 17

Who has been the most well-known supporter of the linguistic relativity hypothesis

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Whorf has been considered the most well-known supporter of the linguistic relativity hypothesis, also known as the "Sapir-Whorf hypothesis". He formulated this hypothesis based on his studies of the Hopi language and concluded that language plays a fundamental role in shaping our thoughts and perceptions of the world. Though the hypothesis has been heavily debated, Whorf's ideas have had a significant impact on the field of linguistics and cognitive science.

Question 18

The nativist theory suggests that humans are biologically equipped for language.Which term refers to the innate mechanism which nativists propose people possess which facilitates the learning of language

Accepted Answer

The innate mechanism proposed by nativists which facilitates the learning of language is the language acquisition device (LAD). It suggests that humans are born with an innate ability to acquire language, and the LAD serves as a sort of "grammar blueprint" that allows children to understand and produce language in a way that is consistent with the language they are exposed to. The other choices, field dependent learning, the rules of language, and the amygdala, are not directly related to the nativist theory of language acquisition.

Question 19

Judy has been asked to solve the Tower of Hanoi problem whereby she has a goal of moving three rings from on post to another post.There are rules to this problem which further complicate the task.Judy is concerned but has decided to break the problem down into intermediate steps.Which approach to problem solving is Judy using

Accepted Answer

Judy is using the approach of forming subgoals by breaking down the overall problem into smaller, more manageable steps. She has a specific goal in mind (to move three rings from one post to another) and is identifying intermediate steps that will help her achieve that goal while following the rules of the problem. This approach can be effective in breaking down complex problems and making them more manageable.

Question 20

The objective value of an outcome to a particular problem is usually clear and concise.Subjective utility,on the other hand,tends to carry with it a great deal of variability.What exactly is meant by subjective utility in the decision-making process

Accepted Answer

Subjective utility refers to the personal value or importance of an outcome to the individual, which is subjective and can vary from person to person. It takes into account personal preferences, emotions, attitudes, and beliefs that can influence the decision-making process. The other options (B, C, D) do not fully capture the concept of subjective utility.

Quiz 8: A: Language and Thought