Cognitive Process

A Cognitive Process is a mental process that enables information processing, knowledge construction, and behavioral response through neural activity and cognitive functions.

• Context:
  • Process Input: sensory information, stored knowledge, environmental stimuli
    • Optional Input: emotional state, motivation level, attention resources
  • Process Output: processed information, mental representations, behavioral decisions
  • Process Performance Measure: cognitive efficiency, processing speed, accuracy level
  • ...
  • It can typically facilitate Information Processing through attention mechanisms and working memory.
  • It can typically enable Knowledge Construction through encoding processes and memory consolidation.
  • It can typically support Decision Making through reasoning processes and judgment formation.
  • It can typically manage Executive Functions through cognitive control and behavioral regulation.
  • ...
  • It can often involve Neural Processing through brain networks and synaptic transmission.
  • It can often utilize Mental Resources through cognitive load management and attention allocation.
  • It can often integrate Emotional Processing through affective influences and mood regulation.
  • ...
  • It can range from being an Automatic Cognitive Process to being a Controlled Cognitive Process, depending on its consciousness level.
  • It can range from being a Simple Cognitive Process to being a Complex Cognitive Process, depending on its processing demand.
  • It can range from being an Individual Cognitive Process to being a Distributed Cognitive Process, depending on its processing scope.
  • ...
  • It can integrate Sensory Input with prior knowledge for perception formation.
  • It can combine Memory Systems with attention mechanisms for information management.
  • It can incorporate Executive Control with emotional regulation for adaptive behavior.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Basic Processes, such as:
    • Attention Process for information selection.
    • Perception Process for sensory interpretation.
  • Memory Processes, such as:
    • Encoding Process for information storage.
    • Retrieval Process for memory access.
  • Higher-Order Processes, such as:
    • Problem Solving Process for solution generation.
    • Reasoning Process for logical analysis.
  • Executive Processes, such as:
    • Planning Process for goal achievement.
    • Decision Making Process for choice selection.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Reflex Action, which bypasses cognitive processing.
  • Autonomic Response, which operates through automatic regulation.
  • Unconscious Behavior, which lacks conscious control.
• See: Mental Process, Neural Process, Information Processing, Cognitive Function, Cognitive Architecture.

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References

1998

• (Clark & Chalmers, 1998) ⇒ Andy Clark, and David Chalmers. (1998). "The Extended Mind.” In: Analysis, 58(1).
  • NOTE: It presents the foundational argument that cognitive processes can extend beyond the individual's biological brain.

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