COG - Cognitive Module Overview

Module Overview

Introduction

The study of cognitive psychology focuses on the complex nature of the brain, particularly memory, and intelligence. Our ability to make sense of the world depends on how information is gathered and processed. The process of memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving data. Despite this step-by-step process, memories are not perfect and are easily forgotten. A common memory flaw is encoding failure, caused by a weak memory trace. Failure to retrieve information, interference, and storage decay can also cause forgetting. Thinking, language, and intelligence will also be explored in this unit. Thinking and language capabilities will be investigated and if thought can exist without language. A comparison of nature versus nurture will be made, as well as a critique of the various theories of intelligence. Upon completing this unit, you will be able to understand the complexity of thought and how it relates to language.

 

Essential Questions

• What roles do memory and thinking play in our behavior?
• What is intelligence and how can we study it to understand it?

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Key Terms

Look over your key terms for this module, linked here. Links to an external site.

 

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