Introduction
posted 1/17/06
What is cognition?
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cog-ni-tion [L cognition]: the act or process of _______ including
both awareness and ______. (Websters')
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________: e.g., the process of encoding or storing information
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________: e.g., a skill, intelligence, expertise
Attention
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Controlled processes vs. _____________
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Examples of ___________ processing might include _______, tying shoes,
reciting alphabet, or _______
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_________ task: read the colors in which the characters are printed.
Memory
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How is information ___________ in memory?
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Example: look at the following list of words. Later, Ill ask you to recall
them.
List words you remember here:
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Serial position curve (primacy & recency effects)
Knowledge representation
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What is a ___________?
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A definition-- set of ________ and ___________ features
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Example: what is the category ___________
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Definition: never-married adult man
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How well do the following exemplars fit the category ___________?
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_____________
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_____________
Reasoning
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Problem 1
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All artists are beekeepers
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All beekeepers are chemists
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Therefore _________________
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Problem 2
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No aardvarks are botanists
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Some botanists are communists
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Therefore __________________
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Why is the second syllogism harder?
Decision Making
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Bill is 34 years old. He is intelligent, but unimaginative, compulsive,
and generally lifeless. In school, he was strong in mathematics but weak
in social studies and humanities.
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How probable are each of the following statements?
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Bill is a physician who plays poker for a hobby.
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Bill is an architect.
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Bill is an accountant.
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Bill plays jazz for a hobby.
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Bill surfs for a hobby.
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Bill is a reporter.
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Bill is an accountant who plays jazz for a hobby.
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Bill climbs mountains for a hobby.
Problem Solving
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Rats & Cats problem
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3 rats and 3 cats must get across the river in 1 boat
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The boat can hold 2 animals maximum and needs at least 1 animal in it to
traverse river
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At no time may there be more cats than rats on either side of the river,
or the cats will eat the rats.
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What sequence of moves can you use to solve this problem?
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Is this the right class for you?
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Moderate to heavy reading load
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Read a textbook chapter of journal article for almost every class.
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Essay exams
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Requires writing and thinking skills
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Grading is by necessity somewhat subjective
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Cognitive psychology is quantitative!
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Formal models of cognitive processes
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E.g., computer programs, network diagrams.
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Formulae and graphs used to describe mental mechanisms
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Statistical analyses of experimental results
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Interpreting a results graph
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Explaining main effects and interactions
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Normative models = correct way to solve a problem, make a decision, etc.
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Employs logic, probability theory, economic theory, etc.
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Formalized with mathematical notation
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Need to understand the normative model if you want to know whether actual
behavior adheres to the model or not.
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Decide if the workload, exam format, and quantitative analysis are a good
fit for your interests, strengths, and available time.
Class particulars
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Format: lecture + discussion
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4 Exams: multiple choice + essay
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Readings: text book + bulk pack
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How to reach us:
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Gretchen Chapman, Professor
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gbc@rci.rutgers.edu
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office hours Thursdays 3:20 - 4:40 pm
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room 215 Psychology Bldg, Busch Campus
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(732) 445-2640
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Jason Glushakow, TA
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herkjason@aol.com
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Office hours Mondays 5:00 – 6:00 pm
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Room 511, Tillett Hall, Livingston Campus
Class Web Page
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http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~gbc/cog
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Outline from the class computer slide shows for each class
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Syllabus
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Practice exam questions
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Related links, including Rutgers cognitive science talks
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NOT a substitute for attending class
Research Opportunities
