Cognitive approach

Capacity

Nr. Of units of information that can be held in a memory store

Duration

Amount of time for which information can be held in a memory store

Heuristic model (theory)

Model or theory that inspires new hypotheses in a certain area

Memory

Cognitive process of encoding, storing and retrieving information

Primacy effect

A memory phenomenon where the first several words on the list are remembered better than the rest

Recency effect

Memory phenomenon where the last several words on the list are remembered better than the rest

Word lenght effect

Memory phenomenon where the estimated capacity of short-term memory depends on the lenght of the words on the list

The visuospatial sketchpad

Holds visual and spatial information (STM)

The phonological loop

Holds auditory information (STM)

Encoding

Transferring information from sensory organs to internal mental structures (like LTM)

Mental representation

Reflection of an object or event in the mind

Retrieval

Extracting information from LTM store when needed

Schema

A stable, deeply rooted mental representation that can influence our knowledge, beliefs and expectations

Scripts

Schemas about sequences of actions or events

Macro-scale models

Models that focus on observable actions and their predictors

Micro-scale models

Focus on the transient process of making a decision (what goes in ones mind when they make a decision)

Normative models

Models of thinking and decision making that describe the rules of rational thinking and decision making (“ideal thinking” resulting in “correct choices”)

Recall

A form of retrieval. Retrieval of required information from memory in the absence of any prompts

Recognition

A form of retrieval that involves identifying an object as previously seen

Reconstructive memory theory

views memory as an active process of recreation of past events as opposed to a passive process of retrieval

Heuristics

“Mental shortcuts” allow system 1 to come up with a fast answer but can lead to biases

Anchoring effect

Involves making use of reference points (anchors) in coming up with an estimate

Availability heuristic

Events that are more widely reported make us think that they occur more commonly than in reality

Cognitive biases

Systematic deviations from normative models that can result from heuristics

Confirmation bias

Tendency to focus on information supporting a pre-existing belief and ignore information potentially contradicting it

Framing effect

A heuristic of choice under risk. Describes how choice depends on whether the problem is formulated in terms of potential gains or potential losses

Illusory correlation

A cognitive bias where people see a relationship between things or events that are not actually related

Dissonance

Mental stress caused by the inconsistencies between: 2 or more contradictory beliefs, ones action & beliefs or new information and ones existing beliefs

Covert rehearsal

Replaying the previously witnessed event in ones memory

Flashbulb memory

Vivid and highly detailed recollection of the circumstances surrounding witnessing or receiving news of an unexpected and emotional events

Overt rehearsal

Discussing an event with other people

Personal consequentiality

The extent to which an event is perceived as significant to oneself personally

Empathy

Ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing

Neurological correlates

Areas and processes of the brain established to be associated with a certain psychological process or function