Saturday, November 6, 2021
Chapter 8: Thought & Learning
PSYC 100
I. The element of Cognition
II. Problem-solving: Heuristics & Algorithms
III. Cognitive processes that may lead to inaccuracy
IV. Communicating with others: development & use of language
I. The Element of Cognition
What? Since the 1960s this approach to studying psychology has been hugely
influential.
Cognition = Mental Activity
—> Obtaining, converting, and using knowledge.
Thinking: a type of cognition - mentally manipulating internal representations of
objects, activities, and situations.
Making a Finding a Forming a belief Developing an
decision solution attitude
Cognitive Activity: Mental Images
1
, - Mental images: mental (internal) representations
- Visual (3D, rotating): picturing it.
- Auditory: hearing it.
- Kinesthetics: feeling it.
How?
- Remembering information: alphabet song.
- Making decisions: what music to play during dinner?
- Solving problems: assembling furniture from Ikea
- Planning: visualizing a route to drive
- Developing skills: imagining yourself in the perfect yoga pose or throwing a
curve ball.
Mental images: what happens in the brain?
Brain - Is activated like it would be for sensation of image
2
Chapter 8: Thought & Learning
PSYC 100
I. The element of Cognition
II. Problem-solving: Heuristics & Algorithms
III. Cognitive processes that may lead to inaccuracy
IV. Communicating with others: development & use of language
I. The Element of Cognition
What? Since the 1960s this approach to studying psychology has been hugely
influential.
Cognition = Mental Activity
—> Obtaining, converting, and using knowledge.
Thinking: a type of cognition - mentally manipulating internal representations of
objects, activities, and situations.
Making a Finding a Forming a belief Developing an
decision solution attitude
Cognitive Activity: Mental Images
1
, - Mental images: mental (internal) representations
- Visual (3D, rotating): picturing it.
- Auditory: hearing it.
- Kinesthetics: feeling it.
How?
- Remembering information: alphabet song.
- Making decisions: what music to play during dinner?
- Solving problems: assembling furniture from Ikea
- Planning: visualizing a route to drive
- Developing skills: imagining yourself in the perfect yoga pose or throwing a
curve ball.
Mental images: what happens in the brain?
Brain - Is activated like it would be for sensation of image
2
