COGS 10 In-Depth Exam Review

What is the relationship between technology and cognition?

Technology evolves culture and society, and both influence each other through mutual elaboration.

What are the two types of technologies discussed?

Physical technologies (tools, devices) and mental technologies (concepts, systems for thinking).

What distinguishes Top-Down thinking from Bottom-Up thinking?

Top-Down is deliberate and analytical, while Bottom-Up is reactive and context-driven.

What are cognitive technologies according to Norman?

Tools for thinking, also known as cognitive artifacts, which can be physical or abstract.

What does semiotics study?

The study of signs and meaning-making.

What is an affordance?

The possibility for action, defined as the relationship between object properties and user capabilities.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is false information without intent to deceive, while disinformation is false information with intent to deceive.

What are the steps in the SIFT framework for better reasoning online?

STOP, INVESTIGATE, FIND Better Coverage, TRACE Original Source.

What is the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML)?

It posits that there are dual channels for processing different information modalities and that active processing is essential.

What are the three types of cognitive load?

Intrinsic (inherent difficulty), Extrinsic (unnecessary complexity), Germane (effort for deeper understanding).

What is elaborative interrogation?

A learning technique that involves explaining why facts or concepts are true.

What is the purpose of the principle of coherence in multimedia learning?

To reduce extraneous content, emphasizing that less is more.

What does the term 'active processing' refer to in multimedia learning?

The process of selecting, organizing, and integrating information.

What is the significance of context specificity in evaluating technology's effects?

It highlights that the impact of technology can vary based on the context and the user's characteristics.

What are cognitive biases?

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, affecting how information is perceived and processed.

What is the semiotic triangle?

A model illustrating the relationship between an external representation, a concept or world, and understanding.

What is the difference between usability and usefulness in the context of affordances?

Usability refers to whether an affordance enables an action, while usefulness refers to what features a technology can provide.

What is the role of signifiers in affordances?

Signifiers communicate where and what actions are possible, influencing user interaction with objects.

What are some common learning techniques identified by Dunlosky et al.?

Techniques include self-explanation, summarization, highlighting, keyword mnemonics, and practice testing.

How can technology both support and undermine thinking?

By providing tools that enhance cognitive processes while also introducing biases or limitations in thought.

What is the importance of triangulating information?

To avoid reliance on a single source and ensure a more accurate understanding of the topic.

Mutual Elaboration

The bidirectional influence where technology evolution drives cognitive changes and cognitive development drives technological innovation.

Smart vs Dumb Technology

Evaluation framework: which specific technology, for which particular user, in what context, at what time, and for what purpose.

Mode as Orthogonal Dimension

Modes are not separate types of cognition but different ways of engaging with cognitive processes.

Top-Down thinking characteristics

Deliberate processing, analytical reasoning, expert practice engagement, flow state experiences.

Bottom-Up thinking characteristics

Reactive responses, context-driven decisions, immediate environmental influences.

External Representation

Purposeful information expressions including language, mathematical formulas, and diagrams that require user knowledge for interpretation.

Dyadic Semiotics (Saussure)

Direct binary link between the signified concept and the signifier representation.

Triadic Semiotics (Peirce)

Three-way relationship involving referent (thing/concept), representamen (form), and interpretant (interpretation).

Semiotic Triangle components

External representation connects to concept/world which connects to understanding in a triangular relationship.

Encoding Medium

The method by which information is mapped to perceivable form.

Sensory Modality

The perceptual channel used (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.).

Communicative Objective

The purpose of representation (inform, guide, or cue).

Gibson's Affordance Theory (1979)

Affordances are relational properties, neither solely in the object nor in the user, but in the relationship between them.

Norman's Affordance perspective

Affordances as perceived action opportunities that users identify.

Signifiers

Communication elements that indicate where and what actions are possible in an interface.

False Affordance

An apparent action possibility that doesn't actually exist.

Hidden Affordance

An actual action possibility that isn't apparent to users.

Anti-affordance

Design elements that prevent or discourage specific actions.

Davis Framework mechanisms

Request (gentle suggestion), Demand (strong requirement), Encourage (positive reinforcement), Discourage (negative reinforcement), Refuse (complete prevention), Allow (unrestricted permission).

Affordance influences

Perception abilities, physical dexterity, cultural norms, and institutional legitimacy.

Intent in problematic information

Technical, social, and ethical effects differ based on whether false information was intentional.

Propaganda

Organized attempts to persuade or influence audiences at scale.

Publicity

Strategic information dissemination to shape public perception.

Information Operations

Coordinated campaigns to influence information environments.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to seek and favor information.

Belief Perseverance

Maintaining beliefs despite contradictory evidence

Reactance

Resistance to perceived threats to freedom of choice

Availability Heuristic

Judging likelihood based on ease of recall

Anchoring Bias

Over-relying on first piece of information encountered

Framing Effect

Different responses based on how information is presented

Negativity Bias

Greater psychological impact of negative information

In-group Bias

Favoring members of one's own group

Sunk-Cost Fallacy

Continuing investment based on past costs rather than future value

SIFT STOP step

Inserting a pause because emotion slows reasoning; noticing and reacting appropriately

SIFT INVESTIGATE step

Examining source credibility, reputation, and ownership

SIFT FIND step

Seeking multiple sources to triangulate information rather than relying on first source

SIFT TRACE step

Going upstream to find original source, full quotes, and complete context

Dual Channel principle

Separate information processing streams for different modalities

Limited Capacity principle

Bottleneck in information processing ability

Active Processing principle

Learners must select, organize, and integrate information

Intrinsic Cognitive Load

Difficulty inherent to the material itself

Extrinsic Cognitive Load

Unnecessary complexity or distractions in presentation

Germane Cognitive Load

Mental effort directed toward deeper understanding and schema construction

Coherence Principle

Removing extraneous content improves learning (less is more)

Signalling Principle

Highlighting key information directs attention effectively

Split-Attention Principle

Integrating words and pictures physically and temporally reduces cognitive load

Worked Example Principle

Providing step-by-step solutions facilitates learning

Segmenting Principle

Breaking content into digestible chunks improves comprehension

Elaborative Interrogation technique

Asking and answering why questions about facts and concepts

Self-Explanation technique

Relating new information to existing prior knowledge

Summarization technique

Creating condensed versions of material

Highlighting/Underlining technique

Marking key portions of text

Keyword Mnemonic technique

Using words or images as memory aids

Imagery for Text technique

Forming mental images of written content

Re-reading technique

Reviewing material multiple times

Practice Testing technique

Active recall of learned information

Distributed Practice technique

Spacing out study sessions over time

Interleaved Practice technique

Mixing different types of activities or problems

Contextual factors in effectiveness

Topic domain, learner characteristics, assessment forms, and practice conditions

Designing for learning considerations

Intended support activities, user diversity, and features enabling generative/reflective practices