Class 11 Psychology - KERALA
Thinking
The chapter 'Thinking' in Class 11 Psychology under the Kerala SCERT syllabus explores higher mental processes that manipulate knowledge. It covers the nature of thinking, the role of concepts, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking. Students learn how mental representations shape our understanding of the world and how cognitive blocks can hinder problem-solving. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of cognitive psychology, often featuring case studies and short-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Thinking
A higher mental process that involves manipulation of information, drawing inferences, and solving problems using internal representations.
Concepts
Mental categories used to group together objects, events, ideas, or properties based on common features, helping simplify cognitive processing.
Reasoning
A cognitive process of drawing conclusions and evaluating arguments, classified mainly into deductive and inductive reasoning.
Problem Solving
Thinking directed toward achieving a specific goal when the path to the solution is not immediately obvious, using methods like algorithms and heuristics.
Creative Thinking
A form of thinking that produces novel, original, and valuable ideas or solutions, often characterized by divergent thinking.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 11 Psychology examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark definitions, and 4-mark descriptive questions explaining problem-solving barriers or stages of creative thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between algorithms and heuristics?
An algorithm is a step-by-step formula that always guarantees a correct solution, whereas a heuristic is a mental shortcut or 'rule of thumb' that helps save time but does not guarantee success.
How does convergent thinking differ from divergent thinking?
Convergent thinking focuses on finding the single best or correct answer to a problem, while divergent thinking involves generating multiple creative and diverse solutions.
What are the common obstacles to problem-solving?
Common obstacles include mental set (tendency to persist with old patterns), functional fixedness (inability to see an object being used for anything other than its usual purpose), and lack of motivation.
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