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PYC1501 EXAM NOTES 2024
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
PYC1501 EXAM NOTES 2024
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lOMoAR cPSD| 24668432Pyc1501
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PYC1501 BASIC PSYCHOLOGY
Cognition: Problem solving (P1)
Problem solving is often regarded as one of the highest forms of thinking. They are two phases to
successful problem-solving. First you need to discover the general properties of the correct solution.
This general solution is an herbal idea of what is required to solve the problem but without specific
detail. Once you have a general solution, you can work on the functional solution with sufficient
detail to guide further action to solve the problem.
Steps in the process of problem solving
1. Identify the problem and define it clearly
Problem-solving starts with the recognition that there is a problem and this is followed by definition
of the problem. The way you recognize and define a problem influences the way you go about solving
it.
2. Explore various strategies Strategies for solving the problem:
Trial and error approach
The trial and error approach to solving a problem is called the mechanical approach, because it
involves applying a set of rules or discovery by route. Trial and error thinking involves trying all
possibilities more or less randomly.
Heuristic strategies
An understanding approach. The heuristic approach increases the odds of success, but does not
guarantee a solution.
• Try working back from the desired goal to the current situation.
• Identify the way that the current situation differs from your desired goal and identify the steps
that you need to take to reduce the differences.
• Adopt an analogical approach by thinking of a similar problem and consider whether the
solution to the similar problem will work for your present problem.
• Make a list of your assumptions of Christian and systematically challenge or test each one, this
may suggest ideas for solving the problem.
3. Explore possible solutions several possible solutions may have emerged from the previous phase of
problem solving and each one needs to be considered. You may need to ask what the particular
solution would bring about or how it would change the problem situation, what are the advantages
and disadvantages.
4. Evaluate and learn from the solution
Happened at potential solution you try gives rise to another problem, but you can again deal with each
one until you find a satisfactory solution. You have to assess each solution to find out whether it has
solved the problem efficiently.
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Insight- sometimes, an answer to a problem appears suddenly and we wonder why we didn't see the
solution before. This is called gaining insight into a problem.
Restricted thinking
Mental set or fixation - tendency to evaluate the problem situation in a particular way and to stick to
that evaluation.
Emotional barriers- sometimes we are unable to solve the problem because our emotions get in the
way of thinking clearly.
Learned barriers- we may think that something can any be done in one way because that is the way
we have learned to do things. They are other ways of problem solving in addition to the old ways.
Perceptual barriers- sometimes we tend to see only one aspect of the problem and ignore others.
Cultural barriers- a cultural values may lead us to believe that reason and logic are the best means of
solving problems and that fantasy and they are waste of time. In this way we do not explore the
various ways of problem solving.
Cognition: Reasoning (P6)
Reasoning is one form of thought. Reasoning can be defined as a process of goal -directed thinking
that draws conclusions from a set of facts. When we reason we compare different bits of information.
The structure of reasoning
A premise
Is the statement from which the conclusion is inferred. The premise provides the evidence that
supports your conclusion.
A conclusion
When you reason, the viewpoint you adopt proclaim you make is the conclusion.
Reasoning based on formal rules of logic
Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning refers to the process of drawing a conclusion that follows logically from two or
more statements or premises. Deductive reasoning is based on the logical ruled that if the premise
is true, then the conclusion is true (and cannot possibly be false).
Inductive reasoning
inductive reasoning uses available evidence to generate a conclusion about the likelihood of
something. Inductive reasoning, the conclusion is based on the premise, but the premises do not
guarantee the conclusion. The premises only provide some support for the likelihood of probability of
the conclusion.
Analogical reasoning- means that you infer patterns of relations between things.
Differences between formal and informal reasoning
Formal reasoning Informal reasoning
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The premises are stated explicitly. The premises are more implied than explicit.
The problem that is being reasoned about is Usually has personal consequences for everyday
generally not personally relevant. life. This can lead to weaknesses in reasoning.
(1) we may accept a premise as true without
thinking carefully about its accuracy (2) we may
accept a conclusion because it agrees with our
personal viewpoint without thinking carefully
about the evidence on which it is based.
The structures and rules of formal reasoning are
more obvious than informal everyday reasoning.
Usually one correct solution. Several possible solutions because of the
practicalities of everyday life.
Fallacies
Conclusions are sometimes based on fallacies or misleading arguments. People may use fallacies
when they want us to change the way we believe. Fallacies use irrelevant premises to support a
conclusion, as if those premises are relevant. Different forms of fallacy:
• Playing on someone's sympathies to get something done.
• Trying to discredit an issue by discrediting the person who supports the issue.
• Relying on the characteristics of a certain group in order to gain support for a particular
conclusion.
• Using a false analogy - this means implying that things that are similar actually identical.
• Using a slightly changed version of someone else's point of view as a basis for your reasoning.
Critical reasoning
In order to prevent misunderstandings, it is important that we should be able to evaluate the
information we receive, that we should reason correctly and that we should make good judgments.
This is what is meant by the term "critical reasoning". Critical reasoning means that you look at all the
options and various explanations for something and do not merely accept one point of view or the
explanation that suits you. Critical reason helps you to cope better with situations in daily life. Using
critical reasoning helps you gain greater insight into things, to be better informed, to be open-minded
and to make good decisions. The following are steps you can take to improve your critical reasoning
ability.
1. Identify the problem
2. Keep an open mind
3. Remember the differences between language and reality
4. Use open ended-questions
5. Avoid over- generalisations
6. Be empathetic
7. Obtain relevant information
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