Narratives Flashcards
Do we see the world as it is?
nope, we see our brain’s version of reality. ofc this is based off of real sensory inputs but generally we use our perception
Factors that affect perception
- Context
- completion
- Temporal integration
Context
Stuff like illumination can impact how we process things –> black/white dress
Purkinje effect
Our brain makes assumptions about the illumination in a photograph. This means that it shows a difference in color contrast
–> unconciously
Completion
The visual system uses visual information to complete images when having blind spots
Temporal integration
–> We miss some visual info bc of blinking
This means that what we see at every moment is the sum of inputs received during the last few fixations
Are our eyes always stable?
No, the opposite. they’re always moving and blinking is actually essential for our visual processing bc neurons in visual system respond to changes rather than constant stim
Pygmalion effect
Self-fulfilling prophecy
–> psychological effect where expectations (both self and from others) dictate how well one performs
Is the pygmaleon effect 100%?
nope theres some debate but some studies (1968) have provided good evidence for it
Growth Mindset
The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning and persistence
What NSCI concept is growth mindset related to?
Neuroplasticity
–> If we believe that we can grow our skills, our brain will accommodate to this
Do students w growth mindset perform better?
Yis, particularly in language and maths
why do students w growth mindset perform better in academics?
- through how they react to challenges and feedback
What other factors affect academic performance?
- Family income
- socioeconomic status
What factor is the strongest in regards to academic performance?
Growth mindset
–> in fact it can be a buffer against the detrimental effects of poverty on academics
How do narratives shape our brains?
HOW we experience or observe anything is more significant than WHAT we observe
How do narratives affect the amygdala?
Amygdala activation is stronger when a negative image is accompanied with a negative story
(and vice versa with positive, less activation)
What type of processing does the DMN handle?
Intrisic processing –> self-reflection, mind-wandering, memory
What type of processing does the CEN maange?
Extrinsic processing –> task driven, goal oriented
What areas affect how we go from gaze aversion to abstract integration?
Areas dPCC and ipPMC (DMN)
What type of narratives are correlated with growth and sucess?
- Broad-perspective, abstract narratives
- Connections between intrinsic and extrinsic brain networks
What facilitates the switch between DMN and CEN
Salience network!!
Is dynamic switching / cross-talk essential?
Yes, its essential for cognitive and emotional balance
What can make this cross-talk more difficult?
Digical technology
What is the typical journey of self-development?
From actor –> agent –> author
What does the brain prioritize: survival or accuracy?
Survival, for which our info-processing is shaped by urgency and based on schemas
What affects heuristics?
Previous knowledge & memory
Expectations (mental schemas)
Reward potential
Social implications
How do expectations impact our info processing?
We believe what we expects and we attend what we don’t expect
(both novelty and familiarity play a role)
Role of novelty in narratives
Novelty captures attention by activating the dopamine reward system
Role of familiarity in narratives
reinforces perceived truth through heuristics like repetition and consistency
What is critical thinking?
An active form of engagement with information
What areas are activated during critical thinking?
Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) –> evavluates competing goals and integrates affective and contextual info in decision making
Lateral PFC –> Plays role in response selection, logical reasoning and filtering our irrelevant info
Are humans good at detecting info?
Actually yeah according to a random study
–> but this doesn’t actually impact decisions for sharing, leading to misinformation
What increases our ability to tell truth from fake?
Active and intentional critical thinking
