cognitive theories

theories and terms for cognitive topic

memory

the storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning

process of memory

encoding, storage, retrieval

encoding

process of converting information into a useable form or code that can be stored in memory

storage

retention of information over time

retrieval

process of locating and recovering stored information from memory so we are consciously aware of it

parts to msm

sensory, short-term, long-term

sensory memory

all information from environment but has not yet reached awareness. unlimited capacity, lasts 0.2-0.4 seconds

schema theory

a mental representation based on prior experience that helps us to understand, communicate about and predict the world around us

assimilation

fitting information into an existing part of information

accommodation

changing existing mental image to fit new information

system 1 thinking

• fast, instinctive, automatic, emotional, intuitive, relatively unconscious

• adaptive reasoning mechanism based on prior experience

• survival goals

system 2 thinking

• slower, analytical, logical, conscious

• evolved later with development of language and abstract reasoning

• overcome immediate responses and analyse situation in greater depth

heuristics

short cuts and incomplete, simplified strategies in thinking

anchoring bias

the tendency to rely to heavily on the first piece of information given

emotion

reactions that human beings experience in response to events or situations

cognition

the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses

amygdala

regulates emotions and has a role in the formation of emotional memories

flashbulb memories

special kind of emotional memory which refers to vivid and detailed memories of highly emotional events

thinking

process of using information/knowledge to make plans, interpret and predict the world

decision making

process of identifying and choosing alternatives based on values, preferences and knowledge

reconstructive memory

old and new material is combined when memories are reconstructed

false memories

memories that are made up and were never actually experienced

leading questions

a question that prompts or encourages the answer wanted