"Cognition"

Group 1 : week 6
Bsn - ii gen psych
Contents;

> definition of cognition

> thinking and problem-solving
> language and intelligence
> decision making
"Cognition"
- used in psychology to describe anything related to
thinking, learning, and understanding.

'Cognitive' refers to the mental processes involved in

gaining knowledge and comprehension. Some of the
many different cognitive processes include thinking,
knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving.
Plato - people understand the
world by first identifying basic
principles buried deep inside
themselves, History of the
Aristotle - believed that people
Study of
acquire knowledge through their
observations of the world around
them.
Cognition
What Can Affect
Cognitive
Processes?
Age
Attention issues
Cognitive biases
Memory
limitations
 THINKING
is type of behavior that uses as "inner
representations" of objects and events.
t he symbolic reference deals with
remembered,absent or imagined things and
events,including those and elaborates on what is
present in perception and movement
 THINKING

directed
thinking

critical creative
thinking thinking
Thinking process involves:
The presence of a problem
A definition of the problem, involving the arousal of
relevant concepts
A weighing of relevance or probabilities and
verification

Two theories that suggest differing

functions of the brain:

perpheralists centralists
• h old that all thinking goes on muscular • hold that thinking goes on inside the
movement. brain and nervous system and that
muscular movement
• a ll that psychology requires is a
merely accompanies the
stimulus - response analysis of thinking.
"central process"
 PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem-solving is a central theme in
psychology, as it explores how humans think,
learn, and adapt to challenges. This field
investigates the cognitive processes involved
in identifying, analyzing, and resolving
problems, as well as the factors that
influence our problem-solving abilities.
 Understanding Problem-
Solving in Psychology:
- In psychology, problem-solving refers to the mental process of finding
solutions to problems encountered in everyday life. These problems are
often situation-specific and require a nuanced approach The process
typically involves these steps:
Problem Finding & Shaping: Identifying and clarifying the
problem, simplifying it into manageable components.
Solution Generation: Brainstorming and exploring
potential solutions, considering various options.
Solution Evaluation: Assessing the feasibility,
effectiveness, and potential consequences of each
solution.
Solution Selection: Choosing the most appropriate
solution based on available information and personal
criteria.
Solution Implementation: Putting the chosen solution into
action and monitoring its progress.
Evaluation: Assessing the success of the solution and
making adjustments if necessary.
Problem-Solving Strategies
-Psychologists have identified various
problem-solving strategies, including:
• Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a
correct solution if followed correctly.
• Heuristics: Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that
simplify complex problems but don't guarantee a correct
solution.
Trial and Error: Trying out different solutions until one
works.
• Insight: A sudden understanding or realization of the
solution, often occurring after a period of incubation.
• Means-Ends Analysis: Breaking down a problem into
smaller steps and focusing on the means to achieve each
step towards the final goal.
Barriers to Problem-Solving
-Several cognitive biases and mental obstacles
can hinder our problem-solving abilities:

• Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and
ignore contradictory evidence.

• Mental Set: The tendency to use solutions that have worked in the past, even if they are not the
most effective for the current problem.

• Functional Fixedness: The tendency to perceive objects only in their usual function, limiting our
ability to see alternative uses.

• Unnecessary Constraints: Imposing limitations or restrictions that are not inherent to the
problem.

• Irrelevant Information: Focusing on information that is not relevant to the problem, leading to
confusion and distraction.
Practice Seeking
Feedback
Improving
Problem-
Critical Solving Skills
Thinking
-Several
strategies can
help improve our
problem solving
Emotional skills: Learning from
Regulation Mistakes
 "Language"
Language is a structured system of symbols,
such as words or signs, used by humans to
communicate. It is more than just speech or
writing; language includes the grammar,
syntax, and vocabulary that help us convey
complex thoughts, emotions, and ideas.
 Express Facilitate
thoughts and social
emotion interaction
Language
allows us
Transmit to: Reflect
knowledge culture
 Common types of language
1. Verbal Language
- Spoken or written language used to convey messages.
2. Non-verbal Language
- Communication through body language, gestures, facial expressions, and posture.
3.Formal Language
- Structured, professional, and follows specific rules
4.Informal Language
- Casual, conversational, and used in everyday communication
5.Body Language
- non-verbal communication where physical behaviors (gestures, posture) express
emotions or intentions.
 Common types of language
6.Sign Language
- A visual language using hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements, commonly
used by the Deaf community.
7.Programming Languages
- Symbolic languages used to communicate with computers.
8.Literary Language
- language used in written works of art, like poetry or novels, often rich in metaphors
and symbolism.
9.Figurative Language
- Use of words or expressions with meanings different from their literal interpretation.
10.Technical Language
- Specialized language used in specific fields.
 what is Intelligence?
ability to acquire, understand, and apply
knowledge and skills. It involves
reasoning, problem-solving, learning from
experience, adapting to new situations,
and handling complex or abstract ideas.
theory related to intelligence
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Robert Sternberg, divides

intelligence into three distinct
components: analytical, creative,
and practical intelligence.
theory related to intelligence
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
1. Analytical Intelligence:

This type of intelligence is essential for

academic success and tasks like solving
math problems, understanding complex
texts, and making logical decisions.
theory related to intelligence
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
2. Creative Intelligence:
ability to think outside the box and come up
with innovative solutions to new or unfamiliar
problems. Individuals strong in this area may
excel in artistic pursuits, inventing new
ideas, or thinking creatively in everyday
situations.
theory related to intelligence
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
3. Practical Intelligence:
"street smarts," this aspect involves the ability to
adapt to, shape, and select environments that fit
one’s strengths. It emphasizes the ability to apply
knowledge to real-life contexts, such as knowing
how to manage a team or negotiate social
situations.
Decision making
fundamental cognitive process of human behavior by which an option
is selected among a set of alternatives based on subjective
preferences.

Decision-Making Process
Factors Influencing Decision-
Making
Cognitive Biases
Emotional influence
Social Influence
Risk Tolerance
Decision Making Styles
Heuristics
Goals And Values
Intuition

often referred to as “gut feeling,”

the result of accumulated knowledge and

experiences that our subconscious mind processes
rapidly
Recap:

Cognition
Thinking and Problem Solving
Language and Intelligence
Decision Making
Thank you
very much
References:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognition-2794982
https://care-clinics.com/the-psychology-of-decision-making/
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/language
https://pressbooks.online.ucf.edu/lumenpsychology/chapter/what-are-intelligence-and-
creativity/#:~:text=Sternberg's%20theory%20identifies%20three%20types,knowledge%20bas
ed%20on%20your%20experiences.
https://www.google.com/url?
q=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_solving&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjZk_L614CJA
xV43zQHHf53GX0QFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0y5LxHG9_pKZJ7xsf3SshO