Worksheet Solutions: Thinking | Psychology Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: Thinking is considered the most superior cognitive function as it involves advanced mental processes such as abstracting, reasoning, imagining, problem-solving, judging, and decision-making, which enable us to manipulate and analyze _______________.
Ans: information/data.
In this context, "information/data" refers to the content that our thinking processes manipulate and analyze. Thinking helps us make sense of the information and data we encounter in our daily lives.

Q2: Mental images refer to the internal representation of sensory experiences within the mind. When engaging in thinking, people often imagine places, events, and other sensory information. For instance, when using a map to locate different places, one must use mental images to visualize their locations within the map. These images are of two types: a memory image and an _______________ image.
Ans: imaginary.
An "eidetic image" is typically a vivid and highly detailed visual representation of something that has been seen before. It stands in contrast to a "memory image," which closely resembles the object or event but may not be as detailed or vivid. Both types of mental images play a role in thinking and visualizing.

Q3: A _______________ is a mental representation of categories and refers to the collection of ideas and objects that share common properties and features.
Ans: concept.
Concepts help us categorize and organize our knowledge by grouping ideas and objects with shared characteristics. For example, the concept of "animals" includes various creatures with common features like having the ability to move, eat, and reproduce.

Q4: Problem-solving is described as a goal-directed thinking process aimed at resolving a specific issue. Hindrances to problem-solving include a mental set and lack of _______________.
Ans: creativity/innovation.
Creativity and innovation are essential for effective problem-solving as they enable individuals to think outside the box and come up with novel solutions. A "mental set" can hinder problem-solving by causing individuals to approach problems in a rigid, routine manner.


Q5: Reasoning involves the collection and analysis of information to draw _______________.
Ans: conclusions/inferences.
Reasoning is the process of examining information and using it to make logical deductions or reach conclusions. It's an essential part of problem-solving and critical thinking.

Q6: Decision-making is a type of problem-solving that involves evaluating multiple alternatives and selecting the best option based on an assessment of associated costs and benefits. Judgment and decision-making are related processes, but judgment refers to the process of forming opinions, arriving at conclusions, and making critical evaluations about objects, events, and people based on available _______________.
Ans: evidence/information.
In decision-making, individuals use available evidence and information to evaluate different options and choose the one that offers the most favorable outcome. Judgment, on the other hand, involves forming opinions and making assessments based on the evidence and information at hand.

Q7: Creative thinking involves solving problems in a novel and unconventional way, and generating unique or innovative ideas. It involves both convergent and divergent thinking, but it leans more towards _______________ thinking.
Ans: divergent.
Divergent thinking is characterized by generating multiple creative solutions, while convergent thinking aims to find a single correct answer. Creative thinking involves both but leans more towards generating a variety of ideas and solutions.

Q8: According to the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis, the language we use has an influence on the content of our _______________.
Ans: thoughts/thinking.
The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis suggests that the language we use shapes our thinking and influences the content of our thoughts. It highlights the role of language in shaping cognitive processes.

Q9: According to Piaget, language is determined by thought, and not the other way around. Children create mental representations of the world around them, and language serves as a means of expressing and communicating one's thoughts, which are formed independently of _______________.
Ans: language.
Piaget's view emphasizes that children's thoughts and mental representations precede their use of language. Language is a tool for expressing thoughts, and children's cognitive development occurs independently of their language development in the early stages.

Q10: During the initial stages of language development, newborns and young infants produce various sounds that gradually transform into _______________.
Ans: babbling.
Babbling is an early stage of language development in infants where they produce repetitive vowel and consonant sounds. It is a natural part of the progression toward language acquisition.

Assertion and Reason Based 

Q1: Assertion: Creative thinking involves both convergent and divergent thinking.
Reason: Creative thinking focuses on finding a single correct answer.
(a) Reason is true and explains the assertion.
(b) Reason is true but does not explain the assertion.
(c) Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
Creative thinking involves both convergent and divergent thinking, as mentioned in the text. Convergent thinking aims to find a single correct answer, while divergent thinking encourages multiple creative solutions. Therefore, the reason is true and explains the assertion.

Q2: Assertion: The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis suggests that language has an influence on thought.
Reason: According to Piaget, language determines thought.
(a) Reason is true and explains the assertion.
(b) Reason is true but does not explain the assertion.
(c) Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (b)
The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis suggests that language has an influence on thought, which is the assertion. However, the reason stating that "According to Piaget, language determines thought" is not accurate. Piaget believed that thought is determined by thought and not the other way around.

Q3: Assertion: Language development follows principles of learning such as association, imitation, and reinforcement.
Reason: Noam Chomsky proposed the language acquisition device (LAD) at birth.
(a) Reason is true and explains the assertion.
(b) Reason is true but does not explain the assertion.
(c) Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion states that language development follows principles of learning. The reason provided, "Noam Chomsky proposed the language acquisition device (LAD) at birth," explains how language acquisition is influenced by innate mechanisms like the language acquisition device.

Q4: Assertion: Mental images refer to the internal representation of sensory experiences within the mind.
Reason: Eidetic images are typically vague and lack detail.
(a) Reason is true and explains the assertion.
(b) Reason is true but does not explain the assertion.
(c) Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is that mental images refer to the internal representation of sensory experiences within the mind. The reason, "Eidetic images are typically vague and lack detail," explains the types of mental images mentioned in the text.

Q5: Assertion: Problem-solving is described as a goal-directed thinking process aimed at resolving a specific issue.
Reason: Lack of motivation can impede problem-solving.
(a) Reason is true and explains the assertion.
(b) Reason is true but does not explain the assertion.
(c) Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion states that lack of motivation can impede problem-solving. The reason, "Problem-solving involves evaluating alternatives," is true and explains how motivation is related to problem-solving. Without motivation, individuals may struggle to evaluate alternatives effectively.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the nature and process of creative thinking.
Ans: Creative thinking involves solving problems in a novel and unconventional way, generating unique or innovative ideas. It encompasses both convergent and divergent thinking.

Q2: What is a mental set, and how can it hinder problem-solving?
Ans: A mental set is the inclination to solve problems using methods that have been effective in the past. It can hinder problem-solving by causing inflexibility in approaching new problems.

Q3: Differentiate between natural concepts and logical concepts.
Ans: Natural concepts lack a clearly defined set of features and are based on prototypes, while logical concepts are clearly defined by a set of rules or features.

Q4: Explain the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis.
Ans: The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the language we use influences the content of our thought.

Q5: How does the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis relate to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?
Ans: The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis relates to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis by proposing that language shapes thought, affecting the way individuals think and perceive the world.

Q6: What is the role of the language acquisition device (LAD) in language development?
Ans: The language acquisition device (LAD) is an innate mechanism that Noam Chomsky proposed, which includes knowledge of universal grammar and plays a role in language development from birth.

Q7: Explain the stages of language development in infants.
Ans: Stages of language development in infants include the initial stages of producing various sounds, the babbling phase, the one-word stage, the two-word stage, and syntactic development.

Q8: How does reasoning contribute to problem-solving?
Ans: Reasoning contributes to problem-solving by collecting and analyzing information to draw conclusions, enabling individuals to make informed decisions.

Q9: Describe the four stages of creative thinking.
Ans: The four stages of creative thinking are Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification, with Revision as the final stage if a solution is not reached.

Q10: What are some strategies for enhancing creative thinking?
Ans: Strategies for enhancing creative thinking include reading widely, seeking diverse information, asking questions, and using brainstorming techniques to generate innovative ideas.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the importance of forming concepts in thinking.
Ans: Forming concepts in thinking is essential because it helps organize knowledge, making it easily accessible, saves time and effort, and streamlines thought processes for quicker and more efficient problem-solving.

Q2: Differentiate between convergent thinking and divergent thinking.
Ans: Convergent thinking focuses on finding a single correct answer and does not typically result in the generation of new ideas. Divergent thinking has multiple correct answers and encourages the creation of new and original ideas.

Q3: Explain the relationship between language and thought according to Piaget.
Ans: Piaget believed that language is determined by thought, not the other way around. Children create mental representations of the world before expressing them through language.

Q4: How do motivational and emotional blocks hinder creative thinking?
Ans: Motivational and emotional blocks hinder creative thinking by impacting motivation, fear of failure, fear of rejection, self-concept, and negativism, which can hamper the creative process.

Q5: Discuss the barriers to creative thinking, including habitual, perceptual, and cultural barriers.
Ans: Barriers to creative thinking, including habitual, perceptual, motivational, emotional, and cultural barriers, can impede creative expression. Habits, perceptual limitations, lack of motivation, emotional factors, and cultural influences all contribute to these barriers.

Q6: Describe the stages of creative thinking and the role of each stage.
Ans: The stages of creative thinking include Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, Verification, and Revision. Preparation involves defining the problem and collecting information, Incubation involves relaxed moments when creative ideas may occur, Illumination is the sudden realization of a solution, Verification tests the solution, and Revision involves rethinking the problem if a solution is not reached.

Q7: Compare and contrast natural concepts and logical concepts with examples.
Ans: Natural concepts lack clearly defined features and are based on prototypes. Logical concepts are precisely defined by specific rules or features. For example, "bird" is a natural concept with many variations, while "triangle" is a logical concept with specific defining characteristics.

Q8: Explain the significance of the first two stages of creative thinking, Preparation and Incubation.
Ans: The first two stages of creative thinking, Preparation and Incubation, are crucial. In Preparation, the problem is clearly defined, and information is collected. In Incubation, creative ideas may not occur during conscious thinking but rather during relaxed moments.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the impact of language on thought, taking into consideration the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis and the views of Piaget and Chomsky.
Ans: The impact of language on thought can be understood through the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis, which suggests that language influences the content of thought. Benjamin Lee Whorf proposed this hypothesis. According to it, the language we use shapes our thinking to a significant extent. However, Piaget believed that thought determines language, not the other way around. Children create mental representations of the world, and language is a means of expressing these thoughts. Noam Chomsky's theory introduces the language acquisition device (LAD) as an innate mechanism, implying that language and thought develop independently until they merge around the age of two.

Q2: Describe the process of problem-solving and how mental sets and lack of motivation can hinder it.
Ans: Problem-solving is a goal-directed thinking process aimed at resolving specific issues. It involves several steps, including defining the problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating these solutions, and implementing the most effective one. However, mental sets, formed from past problem-solving experiences, can hinder problem-solving by leading to inflexibility in approaching new problems. When individuals rely on familiar problem-solving strategies, they may overlook innovative or alternative solutions. Lack of motivation can also impede problem-solving, even if an individual possesses intelligence and a sharp mind. Motivation is crucial for effective problem-solving, as it drives the search for solutions and keeps individuals engaged in the process.

Q3: Analyze the stages of language development in infants and the role of the language acquisition device (LAD).
Ans: The stages of language development in infants include various sounds produced during the initial stages, the babbling phase, the one-word stage (usually around the first birthday), the two-word stage (around 18-20 months), and syntactic development (around 2.5 years). These stages mark the progression of language skills from simple sounds to more complex sentence structures.
The language acquisition device (LAD), proposed by Noam Chomsky, suggests that language and thought develop independently in a child until around the age of two, after which they start to merge. The LAD is an innate mechanism that allows infants to acquire language rapidly and effortlessly. It is believed to provide infants with a set of universal grammatical rules that enable them to understand and produce language. The LAD serves as a cognitive foundation for language development, providing infants with the necessary tools to acquire and use language in a meaningful way.

Q4: Explain the barriers to creative thinking, including habitual, perceptual, motivational, emotional, and cultural barriers. Provide examples for each.
Ans: Barriers to creative thinking can hinder the generation of innovative and original ideas. These barriers include habitual, perceptual, motivational, emotional, and cultural barriers.
Habitual barriers stem from the tendency to rely on past habits and methods, limiting creative expression. For example, a writer who always writes in a specific genre may struggle to explore new genres or styles.
Perceptual barriers prevent individuals from being open to novel and original ideas. This can occur when individuals have a narrow perspective and struggle to see beyond their immediate experiences. An example is an artist who only paints landscapes and is resistant to experimenting with abstract art.
Motivational and emotional blocks show that creativity is more than a cognitive process and can be hindered by a lack of motivation, fear of failure, fear of rejection, poor self-concept, and negativism. For instance, a musician who lacks motivation may struggle to compose new music, inhibiting their creative output.
Cultural barriers arise from adherence to traditions, expectations, conformity, and stereotypes, driven by fear of being different, social pressure, and personal security. For example, an individual from a conservative culture may be hesitant to challenge societal norms in their creative work, limiting their ability to think outside the box.
These barriers can impede creative thinking and limit individuals' ability to generate innovative solutions or ideas. Overcoming these barriers often requires conscious effort, openness to new perspectives, and a willingness to challenge established norms and habits.