Cogntive Psychology - Module 1

Cognitive Psychology

The study of how our minds work—how we think, remember, learn, and pay attention.

Pseudohomophone Effect

The phenomenon where people take longer to decide if a phonetic-sounding word (like 'brane') is real compared to a common word (like 'table').

Gestalt Psychology

A psychological approach that emphasizes that 'the whole is more than just the parts' and includes principles like similarity and proximity.

Information Processing Approach

The theory that the brain works step by step like a computer, processing information in a linear manner.

Bottom-Up Processing

A method of perception that starts with the details and builds up to the final perception or understanding.

Top-Down Processing

A method of perception where the brain uses prior knowledge and experience to understand and interpret information.

Divided Attention

The ability to focus on multiple tasks or stimuli at the same time, often leading to decreased performance.

Sensory Memory

The very brief storage of sensory information, lasting only a few seconds.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

The system for temporarily holding and processing information, with a storage capacity of about 7 items for around 20 seconds.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

The system that stores information indefinitely, allowing for retrieval at later times.

Working Memory (Baddeley’s Model)

A model of short-term memory that includes components like the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and central executive.

Linear Perspective

A depth cue where parallel lines appear to converge in the distance, helping us judge depth.

Template Matching Theory

A theory of object recognition that posits the brain compares visual input to stored templates of objects.

Feature Analysis Theory

A theory of recognition that suggests the brain identifies objects by breaking them down into their constituent features.

Geon Theory

A theory of object recognition proposing that all objects can be defined by basic 3D shapes called geons.