EDU220: Final Exam Flashcards
Cognitive science
The interdisciplinary study of thinking, language, intelligence, knowledge creation and the brain
Cognition=operation of a very complex but coordinated system of diff components of memory interacting quickly and at the same time
Cognitive vs behavioral views of assumptions of what is learned
Cog view: knowledge and strategies are learned, and changes in these areas make changes in behavior possible
Behavioral view: new behaviors themselves are learned
Behavioral vs cog view of reinforcement
Behavioral view: reinforcement strengthens responses
Cog view: reinforcement= source of info about what is likely to happen if behaviors are repeated or changed
Cog view of learning
Extending/transforming understanding that we already have (not just writing associations on blank slates of our brains)
Actively make decisions to pursue learning goals
Construction of knowledge stressed (not acquisition)
Cognitive view of learning
A general approach that views learning as an active mental process of acquiring, remembering, and using knowledge
Generally agreed upon
Learning=active mental process
Goals of behavioral researchers vs cog psychologists
Behavioral: Identify general laws of learning that apply to all higher organisms (no matter what age, intelligence, etc)
Cog: wide range of learning situations; focus on individual and developmental riffs in cognition (no single cog model created that explains entire field for this reason)
Importance of knowledge in cog approach
Most important elements in learning process=how learner carries previous knowledge into new situations
Frame/base of knowledge=what we already know
Knowledge determines what we will pay attention to, learn, forget, etc
Domain-specific knowledge vs general knowledge
Cog perspective
Domain specific knowledge=specific to a certain task or subject
General knowledge=general cog skills that apply to diff situations and subjects
Need both to be successful**
Cog view of memory; old model
Most common theories of memory=info processing theories
Early info processing views= brain is like a computer; but only works as a metaphor for human mental activity
Old model: input flows into sense-specific streams, gets encoded, moved to short term memory which holds it for a short time/mixes it with info from long term memory and with effort, moves info into long term memory storage
Short term memory=generates responses and output
Helpful model but incomplete
-couldn’t explain how how knowledge/memories outside your awareness could influence learning
-how diff cog processes can run at the same time
Recent cog science info processing model
Keeps some parts of old model
Emphasizes role of working memory, attention, and interaction among elements of the system
Steps:
1- info encoded in sensory memory (perception and attention decide what will stay in working memory)
2- in working memory->executive processes control flow of info and mix new info with old knowledge from long term memory (becomes part of working memory when activated)
3- implicit memories are formed without conscious effort
4- long term memory, working memory and sensory memory work together to guide perception, interpret info, construct knowledge, solve problems, etc
5- attention has a role in all three memory processes
Sensory memory
Initial processing that transforms incoming stimuli from the enviro into info so we can make sense of them Other names: Sensory buffer Iconic memory (images) Echoic memory (sounds)
Capacity, duration and contents of sensory memory
Capacity: very large
Duration: lasts less than 3 seconds (and a bit after the stimulus is gone)
Contents: takes in more info than we can handle at once
Attention
Focus on a stimulus Affected by: -the 3 memory processes -what we already know -what we need to know -what else is happening -type and complexity of task -resources brought to situation -ability to control/focus your attention
Automaticity
Result of learning to perform a behaviour or thinking process so thoroughly that the performance is automatic and does not require effort; sometimes refers to excitement or stress
Not black and white; works on a continuum
Never completely automatic
Two types of multitasking
Sequential multitasking: focusing on only one task at a time but switching back and forth between them
Simultaneous multitasking: overlapping focus on several things at a time
Three types of tasks (attention)
Resource-limited tasks: performance on these tasks will get better if we use more resources (don’t multitask)
Data-limited tasks: successful processing depends on amount and quality of available data; ex: if you can’t hear the lecture or too many unfamiliar vocab words used=attention won’t help
Automated task: doesn’t require much attention
Working memory
Where new info is held temporarily and combined with knowledge from long term memory to solve problems or understand a lecture etc
Limited capacity
Some psychologists believe it’s synonymous with consciousness
Short-term memory
Component of memory system that holds info for about 15-20 seconds
5 to 9 item limit (can be overcome with strategies like grouping or chunking)
Baddley’s 4 components of working memory:
1- central executive (controls attention/ other mental resources aka worker of working memory)
2- visuospatial sketch pad (visual and spatial info)
3- phonological loop (verbal and sound info)
4- episodic buffer (integrates info from other three together to create representations)
Central executive
Part of working memory that is responsible for monitoring and directing attention and other mental resources
Phonological loop
Part of working memory
Speech and sound related system
Holds and rehearses/refreshes words and sounds in short term memory for about 1.5-2 seconds
Visuospatial sketch pad
Part of working memory
Holding system for visual and spatial info
Episodic buffer
Process that brings together and integrates info from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketch pad, and long term memory under the supervision of the central executive
Duration and contents of working memory
Duration: 5-20 seconds
Contents: sounds and images that resemble representations in sensory memory
Info structured abstractly based on meaning
Cognitive load
Volume of resources necessary to complete a task