Cognition Flashcards
What is the basic definition of “cognition?”
analyzing information, generating ideas and problem solving - it is generally referred to as “thinking”
What are the assumptions of “information processing models” in terms of cognition?
information is taken from the environment and processed through a series of steps that include:
- attention
- perception
- storage into memory
What are the components of Alan Baddeley’s Model of Working Memory?
- a phonological loop
- a visuospatial sketchpad
- an episodic buffer
- a central executive
What is the role of a phonological loop?
this allows us to repeat verbal information to help us remember
*if someone tells you their phone number but you don’t have a pen handy, you recite it out loud over and over again
7 +/- 2 (so between 5 and 9)
What is the role of a visuospatial sketchpad?
it’s our “inner eye”
similar to the phonological loop, we can visualize images over and over again; limited capacityDistingish
What is a schema and who is most often associated with it?
a schema is a mental framework that shape and are shaped by our experiences
Jean Piaget
Distinguish between assimilating vs accommodating a schema
assimilate - fit your experience into the same schema
accommodate - change your schema to fit your new experience
What are Piaget’s stages of Cognitive Development?
- Sensorimotor
- Preoperational
- Concrete operational
- Formal operational
Some People Can’t Focus
“Object Permanence” is associated with which one of Piaget’s stages?
the sensorimotor
“Egocentrism” is associated with which one of Piaget’s stages?
preoperational
“Conservation” is associated with which one of Piaget’s stages?
concrete operational
Abstract reasoning and moral reasoning are associated with which one of Piaget’s stages?
formal operational
Define confirmation bias and give an example
a tendency to search only for information that confirms our supports your current opinion
*If you believe in the current presidential administration, you will only cite political polls that give the president a high approval rating
Define belief bias and give an example.
the tendency to judge arguments that are plausible and fit our current belief system, rather than accept any counter arguments
*I think doctors are good people and drug dealers are bad people. If I hear that a doctor’s wife has been murdered, I won’t believe her husband did it. But if I hear that a drug dealer’s wife is murdered, I will likely believe he did it.
Define belief perseverance and give an example.
the tendency to cling to our belief despite any evidence to the contrary
*A girl thinks she did horrible at a music recital. Her parents she her video of her flawless performance and standing ovations, yet the girl still think she performed poorly and nobody liked it.
