Cognition_FlashcardsChapter01
Term
Description
Introspection
The process through which you ‘look within,” to observe and record the contents of your own mental life. (page 10)
Behaviorist theory
Broad principles concerned with how behavior changes in response to different configurations of stimuli (including stimuli often called ‘rewards” and ‘punishments”). In its early days, behaviorist theory sought to avoid mentalistic terms. (page 11)
Transcendental method
A type of theorizing first proposed by the philosopher Immanuel Kant. To use this method, you first observe the effects or consequences of a process and then ask, What must the process have been in order to bring about these effects? (page 14)
Working memory
The storage system in which information is held while that information is being worked on. All indications are that working memory is a system, not a single entity, and that information is held here via active processes, not via some sort of passive storage. Formerly called ‘short-term memory.” (page 17)
Span test
A procedure used for measuring working memory’s holding capacity. In newer studies, the operation span test is used. (page 17)
Working-memory system
A system of mental resources used for holding information in an easily accessible form. The central executive is at the heart of this system, and the executive then relies on a number of low-level assistants, including the visuospatial buffer and the articulatory rehearsal loop. (page 17)
Central executive
The hypothesized director of the working-memory system. This is the component of the system needed for any interpretation or analysis; in contrast, mere storage of materials can be provided by working memory’s assistants, which work under the control of the central executive. Also see executive control. (page 17)
Articulatory rehearsal loop
One of the low-level assistants hypothesized as part of the working-memory system. This loop draws on subvocalized (covert) speech, which serves to create a record in the phonological buffer. Materials in this buffer then fade, but they can be refreshed by another cycle of covert speech. (page 18)
Subvocalization
Covert speech, in which you go through the motions of speaking, or perhaps form a detailed motor plan for speech movements, but without making any sound. (page 18)
Phonological buffer
A passive storage device that serves as part of the articulatory rehearsal loop. The phonological buffer serves as part of the mechanisms ordinarily needed for hearing. In memory rehearsal, however, the buffer is loaded by means of subvocalization. Materials within the buffer then fade, but they can be refreshed by new covert speech under the control of the central executive. (page 18)
Concurrent articulation task
A requirement that someone speak or mime speech while doing some other task. In many cases, the person is required to say ‘Tah-Tah-Tah” over and over, or ‘one, two, three, one, two, three.” These procedures occupy the muscles and control mechanisms needed for speech, and so they prevent the person from using these resources for subvocalization. (page 20)
Cognitive neuroscience
The study of the biological basis for cognitive functioning. (page 23)
Anarthria
A disorder characterized by an inability to control the muscles needed for ordinary speech. Anarthric individuals cannot speak, although other aspects of language functioning are unimpaired. (page 23)
Neuropsychology
The branch of psychology concerned with the relation between various forms of brain dysfunction and various aspects of mental functioning. Neuropsychologists study, for example, amnesia, agnosia, and aphasia. (page 23)
