10 Cognitive Science DICTIONARY
1. Attention
Section titled “1. Attention”Attention is the mental process of focusing on specific information while ignoring other signals. It controls what enters conscious awareness.
Example: Reading a document while tuning out background noise.
2. Working Memory
Section titled “2. Working Memory”Working memory is the temporary storage system that holds information you are actively using. It supports thinking and problem solving.
Example: Remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.
3. Long Term Memory
Section titled “3. Long Term Memory”Long term memory stores information for extended periods, sometimes for life. It includes facts, skills, and personal experiences.
Example: Remembering how to ride a bicycle.
4. Cognitive Load
Section titled “4. Cognitive Load”Cognitive load is the mental effort required to process information. High load slows learning and decision making.
Example: Struggling to understand a complex AWS architecture slide.
5. Heuristics
Section titled “5. Heuristics”Heuristics are mental shortcuts that simplify decision making. They save time but can create errors.
Example: Assuming a busy restaurant is always good.
6. Biases
Section titled “6. Biases”Biases are systematic thinking errors caused by shortcuts in the mind. They influence judgment without awareness.
Example: Trusting a candidate more because they resemble someone you admire.
7. Schema
Section titled “7. Schema”A schema is a mental structure that organizes knowledge. It helps process new information quickly.
Example: You instantly understand how a new app menu works because it resembles others.
8. Recall
Section titled “8. Recall”Recall is remembering information without clues. It challenges memory more than recognition.
Example: Answering a question without any hint.
9. Recognition
Section titled “9. Recognition”Recognition is identifying information when presented with cues. It is easier than recall.
Example: Remembering a face when you see it again.
10. Neural Plasticity
Section titled “10. Neural Plasticity”Neural plasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt. It supports learning, recovery, and skill development.
Example: Improving in coding after weeks of practice.
11. Metacognition
Section titled “11. Metacognition”Metacognition is thinking about your own thinking. It helps evaluate strategies and improve learning.
Example: Realizing you study better with handwritten notes.
12. Decision Fatigue
Section titled “12. Decision Fatigue”Decision fatigue occurs when too many choices reduce decision quality. It leads to poor or rushed choices.
Example: Ordering junk food after a long day of meetings.
13. Priming
Section titled “13. Priming”Priming happens when one exposure influences the next response. It shapes thoughts without awareness.
Example: Seeing fitness posts makes you want to exercise.
14. Pattern Recognition
Section titled “14. Pattern Recognition”Pattern recognition is identifying regularities in data, speech, or behavior. It is essential for reasoning and prediction.
Example: Noticing a trend in server logs before an outage.
15. Mental Model
Section titled “15. Mental Model”A mental model is an internal understanding of how something works. Good models improve decisions.
Example: Thinking of a queue system in terms of lines at a ticket counter.
16. Attention Switching
Section titled “16. Attention Switching”Attention switching is moving focus from one task to another. Switching too often reduces efficiency.
Example: Coding while checking Slack every few minutes.
17. Cognitive Flexibility
Section titled “17. Cognitive Flexibility”Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt thinking when rules or situations change. It supports creativity and problem solving.
Example: Changing deployment strategy when a new constraint appears.
18. Inhibition
Section titled “18. Inhibition”Inhibition is the ability to block impulsive thoughts or distractions. It keeps tasks on track.
Example: Avoiding social media during deep work.
19. Chunking
Section titled “19. Chunking”Chunking groups information into meaningful blocks for easier memory storage. It makes complex data manageable.
Example: Remembering a number as 982 456 321 instead of nine digits.
20. Perceptual Learning
Section titled “20. Perceptual Learning”Perceptual learning improves the ability to interpret sensory information through practice.
Example: A developer quickly spotting syntax errors over time.
21. Cognitive Mapping
Section titled “21. Cognitive Mapping”Cognitive mapping builds mental representations of physical or abstract spaces. It helps navigation and planning.
Example: Visualizing how to connect microservices in an architecture diagram.
22. Problem Solving
Section titled “22. Problem Solving”Problem solving uses reasoning to overcome obstacles. It includes analysis, creativity, and testing.
Example: Debugging a server issue step by step.
23. Predictive Processing
Section titled “23. Predictive Processing”Predictive processing suggests the brain constantly predicts what will happen next. It updates predictions when reality differs.
Example: Expecting a UI to respond instantly after clicking.
24. Concept Formation
Section titled “24. Concept Formation”Concept formation is grouping ideas based on shared features. It helps categorize and understand the world.
Example: Understanding that cats and dogs are both animals.
25. Mental Imagery
Section titled “25. Mental Imagery”Mental imagery is creating pictures in the mind. It supports memory, creativity, and planning.
Example: Imagining how the new office layout will look.