Chapter 7: Thinking

Psychology • Class 11

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate16 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter on 'Thinking' in NCERT Class 11 Psychology explores the intricacies of thought processes, explaining that thinking is a complex cognitive activity unique to humans. It delves into concepts such as problem-solving, reasoning, decision-making, and creative thinking. Creative thinking is characterized by originality and novelty and involves stages like preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. The chapter also examines the relationship between language and thought, discussing their interdependence and how language is developed and used.

Key Topics

  • Nature of Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Reasoning
  • Decision-making
  • Nature and Process of Creative Thinking
  • Thought and Language
  • Building Blocks of Thought
  • Language Development

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the nature of thinking and reasoning.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cognitive processes in problem solving and decision-making.
  • Understand the nature and process of creative thinking and learn ways of enhancing it.
  • Understand the relationship between language and thought.
  • Describe the process of language development and its use.

Questions in Chapter

Explain the nature of thinking.

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What is a concept? Explain the role of concept in the thinking process.

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Identify obstacles that one may encounter in problem solving.

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How does reasoning help in solving problems?

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Are judgment and decision-making interrelated processes? Explain.

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Why is divergent thinking important in creative thinking process?

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How can creative thinking be enhanced?

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Does thinking take place without language? Discuss.

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How is language acquired in human beings?

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Additional Practice Questions

What are the key stages involved in the process of creative thinking?

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Answer: Creative thinking involves preparation, which involves understanding the problem, incubation where ideas mature subconsciously, illumination with sudden insight, and verification to test the idea's viability and appropriateness.

How does mental set act as a barrier to problem solving?

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Answer: A mental set is a tendency to solve new problems with the same approach used in the past. This can hinder one's ability to see novel solutions to new problems.

Discuss the role of divergent thinking in creativity.

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Answer: Divergent thinking generates multiple solutions to a problem, encouraging creativity by considering different perspectives and novel ideas.

How does language influence thought according to the linguistic relativity hypothesis?

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Answer: The linguistic relativity hypothesis posits that the structure and vocabulary of one's language influence their pattern of thought and worldview.

What strategies can enhance creative thinking abilities?

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Answer: Strategies include practicing brainstorming, questioning assumptions, exposing oneself to diverse experiences, and reflecting critically on existing solutions to problems.