NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Psychology (Introduction to Psychology) Chapter 7 Thinking

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Book : Psychology Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Psychology

Class : 11th
Subject : Psychology
Chapter : 8
Chapter Name : Thinking

Q1 Explain the nature of thinking.

Answer. Thinking can be described as a highly complicated mental process used for analysing
information. This information can be either already present within the brain or can be collected
through sensory organs. This can be manipulated and put to better use. It is an internal process
which involves abstracting, reasoning, imagining, problem solving, judging and decision-making.
It is a very basic form of human behaviour on which all other actions are based. Thinking, most
of the times, involves forming mental images in order to carry out the manipulation and analysis
of the information. Forming mental images includes trying to visually represent the whole
information that the person has received or already had.

Q2 What is a concept? Explain the role of concept in the thinking process.

Answer. Concepts can be described as categories which are mental and are similar to each
other. Organised in schema, they represent a person’s knowledge and assumptions about their
perspectives of the world. The basic task of thinking is forming concepts. This involves to
identify the stimulus and its properties that may be associated with a class of objects or ideas.

Q3 Identify obstacles that one may encounter in problem solving.

Answer. Problem solving involves following mental operations which are as follows:

1. Identifying the problematic situation

2. Representation of the problem

3. Planning the solution to it and setting sub-goals

4. Evaluation of all the possible solutions

5. Selection of a particular solution and its execution

6. Evaluating the outcome of the solution

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Book : Psychology Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Psychology

7. Rethinking and redefining the problems and its solutions.

However, there are two major obstacles to solving a problem.
These are mental set, which involves a person who wants to solve a problem, doing so, by
following the already used steps and solutions.
Lack of motivation is another one.

Q4 How does reasoning help in solving problems?

Answer. Reasoning is a form of problem solving. It is a very goal oriented activity which involves
various steps, like firstly, collecting information, secondly, analysing it and then finally drawing
conclusions. There are many types of reasonings, which are as follows:

Inductive Reasoning: this kind of reasoning is based on facts and observation made by an
individual. Analysing and discovering other possible solutions and reasons become possible
with this.

Deductive Reasoning: it is slightly different and begins by collecting general solutions and
choosing a specific one thereafter.

Analogy: This helps an individual to identify and visualise the features of a particular object.

Q5 Are judgement and decision-making interrelated processes? Explain.

Answer. Decision making is choosing between one’s possible alternatives to find a solution to
the problem ahead. This is done by analysing the cost and benefit of each alternative.
In decision making, an individual already knows the possible solutions to the aforementioned
problem, hence, it is different from any other kind of problem solving activity.

Q6 Why is divergent thinking important in creative thinking process?

Answer. Divergent thinking is a significant part of creative thinking process. It has abilities which
originate new ideas. These are:

1. Fluency: the production of more ideas to perform a particular task, increases a person’s
fluency.

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Book : Psychology Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Psychology

2. Flexibility: this includes the diversity one may have with their ideas and thinking.

3. Originality: producing original ideas that are rare and unusual brings originality and
uniqueness to a situation.

4. Elaboration: this is when a person goes into details of new ideas and works out their
aftermath and consequences on other things.

Q7 What are the various barriers to creative thinking?

Answer. Once a person is accustomed to their habits and tendencies, it becomes really difficult
to think in unusual and creative ways. Creative thinking is not just a cognitive process, it has
emotional barriers, like fear of rejection. Lack of motivation in a person is another factor
affecting their creative thinking. There are cultural barriers as well, which implies that the person
cannot think creatively if their thinking process is not in accordance with the traditions and
expectations of their respective cultures.
In order to overcome these barriers, exposing oneself to information and knowledge can be the
best way. Changing one’s perspective, to view the same thing with multiple perspectives and
developing knowledge by asking questions. Obsbom’s Brainstorming technique is considered to
be the best way to overcome these barriers. This helps in increasing the flow and diversity of
ideas.

Q8 How can creative thinking be enhanced ?

Answer. In order to enhance your memory:

Originality: this can be developed by thinking of original ideas which can be done by practicing it
in the most diverse way possible and brainstorming.

Use of Imagination: one should always engage in activities that require the use of imagination
and breaking the monotony of everyday life.

Not to accept initial ideas: always generating a list of all the possible solutions and ideas is a
good way to go. After this, one can filter out and select the best possible solution.

Getting feedback: Getting an unbiased feedback from others on our selected solutions and
ideas allows us to have a different perspective on our problems. However, this might require
one to be self confident and positive.

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Book : Psychology Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Psychology

Q9 Does thinking take place without language ? Discuss.

Answer. Thinking, although a silent behaviour and speech, cannot happen without the use of
language. Benjamin Lee Whorf developed the linguistic relativity hypothesis, which implies that
language makes it possible to have content in our thoughts. Individuals think in the same
language that they use everyday, this is linguistic determinism. Some languages, however,
might make it easier to think certain thoughts, than others.

Q10 How is language acquired in human beings?

Answer. Language is acquired in the following ways:

Phonology– this refers to sounds in the speech and one’s ability to understand them and later
produce it.

Semantics– this refers to a person’s ability to comprehend different words and their
combinations.

Grammar– words are arranged in a sentence and have different sequential orders.

Pragmatics– effective communication is a must and there are certain rules to it. The ability to
understand the same is pragmatics.

Some people are of the view that biological factors are responsible for acquiring a particular
language. Noam Chomsky argues that one is born with a device used to acquire language and
is based on certain mechanisms. It is the knowledge of universal grammar. Hence, the time
period between birth to puberty, to successfully learn a language, learning must take place.

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