Task 2- Cognition Flashcards
(33 cards)
define cognition
the way in which humans take in, use, understand and remember information so we can solve problems and make decisions
explain vision
depends on our eyes receiving light that has been reflected or transmitted from objects
explain perception
takes place when the information the brain receives is organised and given meaning by the brain
explain selection
the brain must filter the stimuli selecting important features for further processing while ignoring unimportant features that receive no further processing- involves specialised neurons called feature detectors
explain organisation
involves grouping the selective features of stimuli to form a whole
explain interpretation
the brain interprets ‘wholes’, giving them meaning
explain perceptual illusion
mismatch between physical reality and our perception of it
define consciousness
awareness of the existence of ourselves and of objects and events within the external world. Consciousness is selective, continuous and changing
define selective attention
paying attention to some events and activities (stimuli) while ignoring others
define dishabituation
the loss of inhibition; leads to some normally placid people becoming aggressive, even when provoked
define divided attention
attending to and undertaking two different activities simultaneously
define sensation
initial detection and processing of stimuli
define reception
presence of physical stimuli detected by sensory neurons in sense organs
define transduction
different forms of stimuli converted into electrochemical energy
define transmission
energy transferred to the brain for processing
what are the 3 stages of perception?
selection, organisation and interpretation
what are the 4 groupings for organisation?
figure-ground, proximity, similarity and closure
what are perceptual illusions?
when there is a mismatch between physical reality and our perception of it - tells us how people perceive their surrounding environment
what is perceptual compromise?
occurs when visual cues contradict each other
what is perceptual expectancy?
occurs when previous experience has prepared us to respond in a particular way
define selective consciousness
attend to certain things and not others; experiences and interests impact what we attend to
define continuous consciousness
always aware of something
define changing consciousness
information continuously coming
what is habituation?
decrease in attention when a stimulus is repeated, eg unaware of traffic noises if living by a busy road
