Major Concepts and Behavioral Objectives

CONCEPT I: Concepts

Classifying similar objects and events into concepts allows us to formulate the rules and principles necessary for complex thinking.

1. Define a concept, and discuss the formation and use of concepts in human thought.

2. Distinguish between the various theories of concept formation.

CONCEPT II: Problem Solving

Problem solving requires familiarity with relevant concepts and their relationships. It proceeds sequentially: representation of problem, search for solutions, selection of solutions. It also involves many different strategies which are appropriate for different problems.

3. Enumerate and discuss the stages in problem solving, and describe possible difficulties associated with each stage.

4. Distinguish between an algorithmic and a heuristic strategy.

5. Describe and discuss the various problem-solving strategies identified in the text.

6. Discuss the use of computer programs to stimulate human thought.

7. Describe creative problem solving, and discuss the characteristics associated with creativity.

CONCEPT III: Decision-Making

To make a logical decision, it is necessary to consider both the value of each potential outcome and its probability. However, our decisions are not always logical, especially if the problem is complex or the choice made under stress.

8. Discuss the process humans use in making logical decisions.

9. List and discuss factors that can lead to errors in judgment.

CONCEPT IV: Language

Language is our principal means of communication. It facilitates most of the activities we consider uniquely human, particularly thought.

10. Discuss how language can be studied structurally according to its phonology, morphology, and syntax.

11. Describe how written language is understood.

12. Describe the roles of inference and social context in the production and comprehension of language.

13. Discuss the relationship between language and thought, and describe research that addresses this topic.

14. Describe the procedures used in the chimpanzee studies, and discuss the results of attempts to teach chimps to talk.