4.1 Cognition

Question 1

Cognition

Answer 1

how our brains process and react to the incredible info overload presented to us by the world

Question 2

information processing model

Answer 2

states that the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves info much like a computer.

Question 3

The 4 key components of the information processing model

Answer 3

1. Thinking requires sensation, encoding, and storage of stimuli
2. Stimuli must be analyzed by the brain to be useful in decision-making
3. Decisions made in one situation can be extrapolated and adjusted to help solve new problems (situational modification)
4. Problem solving is dependent on the persons cognitive level and the context and complexity of the problem

Question 4

Dual-coding theory

Answer 4

Paivio’s theory that states that both verbal association and visual images are used to process and store info.
The redundancy inc the chances that the info can be retrieved and used effectively when cued

Question 5

Cognitive Development

Answer 5

The development of one’s ability to think and solve problems across the lifespan

Question 6

Piaget’s 4 stages of cognitive dev:

Answer 6

Sensorimotor stage Preoperational stage
Concrete operational stage
Formal operational stage

Question 7

Sensorimotor stage

Answer 7

• Starts at birth until ~ 2 y/o
• focuses on manipulating the env to meet physical needs through circular reactions.
• Ends with object permanence

Question 8

Primary circular rxn

Answer 8

the repetition of a body movement that originally occurred by chance, such as sucking the thumb

Question 9

Secondary circular rxn

Answer 9

when manipulation is focused on something outside the body, such as throwing toys from a high chair

Question 10

object permanence

Answer 10

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of view.
- beginning of representational thought

Question 11

representational thought

Answer 11

where the child has begun to create mental representation of external objects and events

Question 12

Preoperational stage

Answer 12

• Starts ~ 2 y/o until ~7 y/o

- focuses on symbolic thinking, egocentrism, and centration.

Question 13

Symbolic thinking

Answer 13

the ability to pretend, play make-believe, and have an imagination

Question 14

Egocentrism

Answer 14

the inability to imagine what another person may think or feel

Question 15

Centration

Answer 15

tendency to focus b only one aspect of a phenomenon, or inability to understand the concept of conservation

Question 16

Concrete operational stage

Answer 16

• Starts ~ 7 y/o until 11 y/o
• focuses on understanding the feelings of others and manipulating physical (concrete) objects.
• Have not yet dev the ability to think abstractly

Question 17

Formal operational stage

Answer 17

Start ~11 y/o

focuses on abstract thought and problem solving

Question 18

Lev Vygotsky

Answer 18

prominent educational psychologist, proposed that the engine driving cognitive development is the Childs internalization of his or her culture

Question 19

Fluid intelligence

Answer 19

consists of problem-solving skills which peaks in early childhood

Question 20

Crystallized intelligence

Answer 20

related to use of learned skills and knowledge which peaks in middle adulthood

Question 21

Dementia

Answer 21

non benign intellectual decline. Often begins w/ impaired men, but later progresses to impaired judgment and confusion

Question 22

Biological factors that affect cognition

Answer 22

organic brain disorders, genetic and chromosomal conditions, metabolic derangements, and drug use

Question 23

Delirium

Answer 23

rapid fluctuation in cognitive function that is reversible and caused by medical causes such as electrolyte and pH disturbances, malnutrition, low blood sugar, infection, a drug rxn, alcohol w/drawal, and pain