This document provides a good concise summary of Unit 3 (Cognition) for Basic Psychology (PYC1501). Hope this document helps you understand the content and would make sure you are prepared for the upcoming exam.
Learning objectives:
• define cognition. • describe some methods people use to solve problems and make decisions.
• identify the common barriers to successful problem-solving and decision-making.
• define language and identify its different elements and structure.
• evaluate whether or not language influences how people think.
Introduction
Types of mental representations
Type of Mental Definition Characteristics/Examples Importance/Functions
Representation
Mental Image Representation that stands - Visual, auditory, and other - Visual, auditory, and other
in for an object or event in sensory images sensory images
the mind with picture-like - Ability to mentally rotate - Ability to mentally rotate
quality. images images
- May include non-visual - May include non-visual
elements (smell, taste, touch) elements (smell, taste).
Concepts Categories of objects, - Formal concepts (square) with - Enable generalization and
events, or ideas with specific rules and are rigid. comparison
common properties shared - Natural concepts (ostrich and - Facilitate memory and
by members of that bird) with fuzzy boundaries association
category. - Importance in generalization, - Guide behavior and
association, memory, and reactions to stimuli.
guiding reactions to
objects/events.
Prototype Basic example of a natural - More prototypical members - Facilitates rapid
concept possessing allow quicker categorization categorization
characteristic features - Prototype development - Reflects typical features of a
influenced by exposure and concept
experience with category - Influenced by individual
members experiences and exposure
Unit 3 - Cognition Page 1
, Schemas Set of propositions - Generalizations about - Help organize and interpret
forming complex mental categories, events, places, and information
representations people - Aid in making sense of the world
- Example: Driving a car as a - Form complex mental
schema involving multiple representations and associations
propositions
Scripts Schemas about familiar - Represent sequences of - Represent sequences of events for
activities, including events for specific activities specific activities
actions involved - Example: "Restaurant script" - Example: "Restaurant script"
detailing steps from entering to detailing steps from entering to
leaving a restaurant leaving a restaurant
Proposition Mental representation - Can be true or false - Forms basis for knowledge and
expressing relationships - Example: "Susan dumped understanding of the world
between concepts James" can be rephrased to - Allows flexible representation of
reflect different perspectives or relationships and events
new information
Activity 1: Which of the following does not fit a prototype of fruits?
A. Banana B. Orange C. Coconut D. Apple
A prototype is a member of the natural concept that possesses all or most of its distinguishing
features. For example, fruits have specific features that distinguish them from other plants thus, they grow
on trees, they are sweet, they have peels, and seeds. Although a coconut grows on trees, it is not a
prototypical fruit because it lacks other defining features of fruits. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Activity 2: Every day after work John goes to the gym. Then he goes home and take a shower before having his
supper. After having supper, he watches TV and then he goes to bed. This is an
example of a . . .
A. mental imagery B. script C. concept D. proposition
Thinking involves a number of processes that help us to survive in our environments. Most of us, like John, have
routine actions that we perform to fulfil a particular purpose. The activities that John performs reflect the script of
his life after work and at home. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Reasoning
Unit 3 - Cognition Page 2
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