Cognitive Processes Lesson 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the 'central office' as described by Tolman?

To create a cognitive-like map of the environment from incoming stimuli (correct)

To eliminate the influence of sensory input on behavior

To directly respond to external stimuli without modifications

To serve as a telephone exchange for communication

How does the 'stimulus-response' school view the rat's behavior in the maze?

The rat consciously plans its route using memories

The rat uses instinctual behavior to find its way

The rat is actively learning to navigate via trial and error

The rat is helplessly responsive to external stimuli (correct)

In what way does Tolman contrast old-fashioned telephone exchanges with the central control room?

The central control room operates more mechanically than the exchange

The central control room simplifies the processing of stimuli

The telephone exchange performs cognitive analyses of the incoming signals

The telephone exchange connects stimuli directly to responses without processing (correct)

What metaphor does Tolman use to describe the central office's function?

A map control room Signup and view all the answers

What evidence contradicts the view that rats progress solely based on stimulus-response actions?

Rats can navigate mazes they've never encountered before Signup and view all the answers

Which statement demonstrates a misunderstanding of Tolman's theories?

Rats rely entirely on instincts in maze navigation Signup and view all the answers

What does Watson's view of psychology emphasize in relation to behavior?

Objective experimental methodology Signup and view all the answers

According to Tolman, what do some animal psychologists believe about learning?

It consists mainly of stimulus-response connections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fields is NOT listed as a part of cognitive processes?

Performance psychology Signup and view all the answers

How does Watson's view on psychology compare to traditional views that rely on consciousness?

Watson favors an objective and experimental approach Signup and view all the answers

In what way do behaviors, according to the behaviorist perspective, relate to natural science?

They can be studied without introspection Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of behavior does the behaviorist approach fundamentally exclude from its analysis?

Cognitive processes Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumption is made by those who believe that the maze behavior of rats is purely about stimulus-response connections?

Behavior can be manipulated through external stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which methodological approach is least likely to be used by a behaviorist, according to the content provided?

Introspective interviews Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the tentative map mentioned in the context of animal responses?

Routes and paths related to environmental relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which group was not rewarded with food during their time in the maze initially?

Group II: experimental Signup and view all the answers

In Skinner's perspective, what aspect controls the response to certain stimuli like music or paintings?

The underlying physical properties of the object Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'S-R' stand for in the context of Skinner's analysis of language?

Stimulus-Response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the response to stimuli according to Skinner's example?

Responses are influenced by subtle properties of the stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What experimental design aspect differentiates Group III from Group II in the maze study?

Duration of time without food Signup and view all the answers

How does Skinner’s concept suggest individuals should ideally respond when presented with a painting?

With a variety of free associations Signup and view all the answers

What does the experiment involving different groups in a maze primarily aim to assess?

The learning ability in relation to food motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is mental chronometry primarily concerned with in cognitive psychology?

Measuring reaction times to assess cognitive processing speed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'subtraction method' related to reaction time?

Subtracting simple reaction time from choice reaction time Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive model representation use boxes and arrows to demonstrate?

The processing and transfer of information in cognitive tasks Signup and view all the answers

What major issue does attentional overload refer to in cognitive processes?

The inability to focus on multiple tasks effectively Signup and view all the answers

According to Chomsky's critique, what limitation does Skinner’s view of responses highlight?

Responses are influenced by external stimulus properties Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of cognitive processes is emphasized by the computer metaphor?

The sequential and organized function of cognitive tasks Signup and view all the answers

What type of reaction time task requires the participant to respond to two different stimuli?

Choice Reaction Time Signup and view all the answers

What indirect approach is suggested for investigating cognitive processes?

Engaging in introspection and self-reporting Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitive Processes Overview

Cognitive processes encompass various fields like economics, sociology, and neuroscience, highlighting interdisciplinary connections.
Key areas include behavioral psychology, perception, mental processes, and learning psychology, all of which examine different facets of cognition.

Historical Foundations

Behaviorism (Watson, 1914):
- Defined psychology as an objective science requiring no introspection, parallel to chemistry and physics.
- Emphasized studying observable behaviors without invoking consciousness.
Tolman's Contributions (1948):
- Challenged simplistic stimulus-response theories by proposing that learning involves cognitive maps, not just reactionary behavior.
- Suggested that stimuli are processed into a “map” of the environment, influencing how responses are ultimately formulated.
- Conducted experiments with different groups of rats to illustrate learning and behavior in maze navigation, demonstrating cognitive approaches over mere stimulus-response reactions.

Language Processing

Skinner’s Perspective on Language:
- Proposed that language can be explained through stimulus-response relationships; utterances are reactions to stimuli (e.g., music or art).
- Acknowledged the complexity of responses, emphasizing that various stimuli might evoke a range of verbal reactions.
Chomsky’s Critique (1967):
- Argued against Skinner's view, suggesting that language acquisition and use involve innate cognitive structures, challenging behaviorist explanations.

Technological Influence

Technological advancements allow for the study of cognitive processes through models simulating human thought, leading to the concept of attentional overload.
Cognitive models often utilize a "boxes and arrows" metaphor to represent information processing and transfer.

Mental Chronometry

Reaction Time Measurements:
- Simple Reaction Time: Measure of time taken to respond to a single stimulus.
- Choice Reaction Time: Time taken to respond to one of several stimuli, emphasizing decision-making processes.
- The differential outcome (Choice RT - Simple RT) helps estimate the time required for stimulus evaluation, rooted in Donder’s subtraction method.

Investigating Cognitive Processes

Challenges in studying cognitive processes stem from the need for direct observation of mental activities, leading to reliance on indirect methods.
Investigations also explore cognitive biases, highlighting the pitfalls in human judgment and decision-making.

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Dive into the fundamental concepts of cognitive processes in this engaging quiz. Explore the history and methods that have shaped our understanding of cognition and its impact on various social systems. Ideal for students interested in psychology and sociology.