What is Cognition?

The mental processes involved in learning knowledge and comprehension are referred to as cognition. Thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving are just a few of the various cognitive processes.

Hot Cognition vs. Cold Cognition

Some people divide cognition into two groups: hot and cold. Hot cognition refers to mental processes like reward-based learning in which emotion plays a role. Cold cognition, on the other hand, refers to mental processes such as working memory that does not include thoughts or emotions.

Cognitive Processing

The phrase “cognitive processing” refers to a set of cognitive processes involved in the production and manipulation of mental representations of information. Attention, perception, reasoning, emotion, learning, synthesis, rearrangement, and manipulation of stored information, memory storage, retrieval, and metacognition are all examples of cognitive processes. These functions can be conscious (for example, learning an idea) or unconscious (for example, acquiring a skill), and they can be self-generated (for example, recalling a memory) or triggered by a novel sensory input from the environment (e.g., solving a problem).

Types of Cognitive Processes

The processes are interdependent and occur simultaneously. They play a role in experiential and reflective modes of cognition.

• Attention: The ability to focus on a specific stimulus in the environment.
• Language: Language and language development are cognitive processes involving the ability to comprehend and express concepts using spoken and written words. This permits us to communicate with others and is crucial in our thinking.
• Learning: Learning involves cognitive processes such as taking in new information, processing it, and integrating it with previous knowledge.
• Memory: Memory is a crucial cognitive function that allows people to encode, store, and retrieve data. It is an important part of the learning process because it allows people to remember information about the world and their own personal histories.
• Perception: The cognitive process that allows people to gather information through their senses and use that information to respond to and interact with the outside environment.
• Thought: Every cognitive process necessitates the use of thought. It enables people to engage in higher-order reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

References:

Cherry, K. (n.d.). The importance of cognition in determining who we are. Verywell Mind. from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognition-2794982