1. The core functions of human thinking:

a.  Describe

b.  Elaborate

c.  Decide

d.  Execute action

2. The circle of thought

a.  our sensory systems take in information from the world around us

b.  then our perceptual system describes and elaborates the information

c.  this information is coded (or represented) in the brain in ways that allow us to make decisions, formulate plans, and carry out actions
 

3. The ingredients of thought – MENTAL REPRESENTATIONS

a. Cognitive maps

b. Images

c. Concept schemas and event scripts

d. Propositions

4. Problem solving

a. Strategies for solving problems:

• Trial and error
• Algorithms
• Heuristics: THE ANCHORING HEURISTIC; THE REPRESENTATIVENESS HEURISTIC; THE AVAILABILITY HEURISTIC

b. Obstacles to problem solving

• Mental sets
• Confirmation bias