Cognition Introduction

Question 1

Define cognition

Answer 1

Mental processes concerned with the acquisition and manipulation of knowledge, including perception and thinking - Macmilan Dictoionary of Psychology, 1989

Question 2

When did was Lloyd Morgan’s Canon written? What is it?

Answer 2

1894 - In no case may we interpret an action as the outcome of the exercise of a higher psychical faculty, if it can be interpreted as the outcome of one which stands lower on the psychological scale

Question 3

What are the two types of knowledge? Which is higher on the psychological scale?

Answer 3

Procedural - Knowing HOW (lower)

Declarative - Knowing THAT (higher)

Question 4

Give 4 examples of higher cognitive abilities

Answer 4

Concept formation
Object permenance
Cognitive maps
Mental state attribution

Question 5

What is the adaptive advantage to higher cognitive ability?

Answer 5

Allows more flexible behavioural responses

Question 6

Give 2 examples of lower cognitive abilities

Answer 6

Associative learning

Memory (certain types)

Question 7

How do cognition and consciousness differ?

Answer 7

Cognition refers to thinking and reorganisation of information
Consciousness refers to subjective awareness of thoughts feelings desires self etc.