Cognitive psychology- MCAT

Information Processing Model

The brain processes information like a computer.

Thinking

Sensation, encoding, and storage of stimuli.

Analysis of Stimuli

Processing for decision-making.

Situational Modification

Adjusting problem-solving strategies based on new situations.

Obstacle Evaluation

Determining the complexity of problems.

Cognitive Development (Piaget's Stages)

Sensorimotor stage, Preoperational stage, Concrete operational stage, Formal operational stage.

Sensorimotor Stage

(0-2 years) Experience world via senses & movement. Object permanence develops. Stranger anxiety emerges.

Preoperational Stage

(2-7 years) Symbolic thinking (words, images, pretend play). Egocentrism (difficulty understanding other perspectives). Centration (focus on one aspect of a situation, e.g., conservation tasks).

Concrete Operational Stage

(7-11 years) Conservation develops (e.g., same amount of liquid in different containers). Logical thought (math, classification). Loss of egocentrism.

Formal Operational Stage

(11+ years) Abstract & hypothetical thinking. Moral reasoning develops. Problem-solving becomes systematic.

Types of Problem-Solving

Different methods used to solve problems.

Trial & error

Random attempts until desired outcome is achieved

Algorithm

Step-by-step procedure.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts (e.g., 'rule of thumb').

Insight

Sudden realization of a solution.

What do Common Biases & Errors affect?

Cognitive decision-making.

Confirmation bias

Favoring information that confirms existing beliefs.

Fixation

Inability to see a problem from a new perspective.

Functional fixedness

Thinking an object can only be used in a traditional way.

Representativeness heuristic

Judging probability based on stereotypes.

Availability heuristic

Estimating likelihood based on easily recalled examples.

Overconfidence

Believing your knowledge/judgment is more accurate than it is.

Belief perseverance

Sticking to beliefs despite contrary evidence.

Framing effect

Different decisions based on how information is presented.

General Intelligence (g factor)

Spearman, A single intelligence underlying all cognitive abilities.

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner, different types, including logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternburg, Three types of intelligence: Analytical (problem-solving), Creative (new ideas), Practical (real-world solutions).

Emotional Intelligence

Ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions effectively.

What is alertness controlled by?

Controlled by the reticular activating system (RAS).

What are the NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stages of sleep?

Sleep stages including Stage 1: Light sleep, theta waves; Stage 2: Sleep spindles & K-complexes (memory consolidation).

What are characteristics of Stage 2 sleep?

Sleep spindles & K-complexes (memory consolidation).

What are characteristics of Stage 3/4 sleep?

Deep sleep, delta waves (growth & recovery).

Characteristics of REM Sleep

Dreaming, memory consolidation, similar to wakefulness on EEG.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling/staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, often associated with cataplexy and disrupted nighttime sleep.

Sleep apnea

Breathing stops during sleep.

In what stage of sleep do night terrors occur?

Deep (NREM) sleep.

Nativist (Chomsky)

Humans have an innate language acquisition device (LAD).

Learning/Behaviorist (Skinner)

Language is learned via reinforcement.

Social Interactionist (Vygotsky)

Language develops through social interaction.

Linguistic Relativity (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis)

Language influences thought.

Broca's Area (Left Frontal Lobe)

Speech production (Broca's aphasia = difficulty speaking).

Wernicke's Area (Left Temporal Lobe)

Language comprehension (Wernicke's aphasia = fluent but nonsensical speech).

Sensory Memory

Immediate, very short-term (iconic = visual, echoic = auditory).

Short-Term Memory

Limited (~7 items, 20 sec duration).

Working Memory

Active processing (phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer).

Explicit (Declarative) Memory

Conscious recall (episodic = experiences, semantic = facts).

Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory

Unconscious recall (procedural = skills, priming).

Types of recall

Free (no cues), cued, or serial (order matters).

Recognition

Identifying info from choices (easier than recall).

Relearning

Faster reacquisition of forgotten info (Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve).

Proactive interference

Old info disrupts new learning.

Retroactive interference

New info disrupts old memory.

Misinformation effect

False memories from misleading info.

Source monitoring error

Confusing the source of a memory.

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

Decision-making, planning, problem-solving.

Function of the hippocampus

Memory formation.

Function of the amygdala

Emotion and memory interaction.

Function of Prefrontal Cortex

Higher-order thinking, impulse control.

Cognitive Decline in Aging

Stable: Implicit memory, recognition. Declines: Recall, processing speed. Improves: Crystallized intelligence (facts) and emotional reasoning.

Depressants

(Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates): Lower CNS activity, impair memory.

Stimulants

(Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine): Increase CNS activity, alertness.

Hallucinogens

Alter reality and cause sensory distortions (e.g., LSD, psilocybin)

Opiates/Opiods

(Heroin, morphine): Pain relief but depress neural function.

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks a learner can do with guidance but not alone

Dual-Process Theory

System 1: Fast, intuitive thinking. System 2: Slow, logical reasoning.