Abstract This paper begins with a review of the literature on the cognitive and affective bases of behavior. The review is followed by a brief description of neural networking model of cognition. The paper concludes with an attempt to answer the central question, the purposes of affect in the neural networking model.
Introduction
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior - Sampling of literature
Neural Networking Model of Cognition How can you account for the purposes of affect in a neural networking
model of cognition?
From the Paper "Neural network (NN) modeling has developed as a major component of science's attempt to understand the brain. NN modeling attempts to answer the fundamental question of how does the brain's formidable information-processing abilities emerge from the self-organizing behavior of a collection of relatively simple neurons?"
Abstract This paper examines two instructional approaches to student learning: cognitive coaching brain-based learning. The discusses the complexity of the wide range of skills used in the learning process and looks at how research based approaches can be applied to a classroom setting.
From the Paper "This paper examines the topic of the utilization of two research-based instructional approaches- cognitive teaching and brain-based learning- to enhance student learning. First, to provide a background introduction on the different types of learning, Bloom's Taxonomy and metacognition were represented. This discussion highlighted the wide range of skills in order of their complexity, which are employed in the learning process. Second, cognitive coaching was discussed by highlighting the process of its implementation and its concept of five mind states. By using a three-step process that involves planning observations and reflections cognitive coaching..."
This paper provides a critique of the research paper "Does Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?" by van Hooren et al.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the main hypothesis of the study, "Does Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?", can be stated as follows: while hearing aids show significant results in terms of auditory improvement, there is no proof to suggest a related improvement or increase in cognitive ability as a result of the application of a hearing aid. The writer explains that the study refers to cognitive functions such as memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. The writer also explains that it should be noted at the outset that this hypothesis presupposes a connection, albeit based on prior research sources, between hearing or hearing enhancements and cognitive functioning. Thus, this is an aspect that forms part of the critique in this analysis of the paper. The writer points out that it is also suggested that the methodology used to ascertain cognitive correlation is to some extent not adequate in terms of the complexity of determining quantitatively a definite link between hearing aids and improved cognition.
From the Paper "The methodology used in this study was comparatively simple and conventionally straight-forward. In essence a relatively small number or participants were used in this study - which is also a point of contention with regard to the results and conclusion of this research. In total there were fifty-six participants (mean age 0/72.5) who were fitted with hearing aids were compared with 46 control participants (mean age 0/74.5) with an equivalent impairment, but who were not fitted with a hearing aid. The study took cognizance of a number of variables and factors that could influence the results of the experiment. These included neurocognitive tests after 12 months. However, it is also possible that these tests in terms of personality and individual psychological components were not sufficient. This aspect is possibly one of the reasons why the study did not return the expected correlation between hearing aids and cognitive improvement."
Tags: memory, attention, cognition, sensory, organ
Abstract The paper asserts that center-based services represent the means by which schools can become optimally pro-active in preparing students so that all learning will be accelerated, streamlined, and efficient. The paper examines center-based early education childhood interventions that involve the enhancement of cognitive and language competencies and of the general educational process. The paper maintains that children need more from us than just intellectual development; it is our job to prepare them with life skills that are hardly taught in the traditional educational curriculum.
From the Paper "The role of the educational institution in its most proactive sense needs to be expanded to consider not only the standard school year curriculums for educating children, but offering tools and programs which will most effectively equip children with succeeding in the environment that constitutes the normal curriculum of elementary years and beyond. In effect, we refer to preparing children even for kindergarten, and the cultural and organizational notion of the educational environment that is ubiquitous to all American children in preparation for the society that is of course ubiquitous to all of us as adults. Center-based services represent the means by which the schools can become optimally pro-active in preparing students so that all learning will be accelerated, streamlined, and efficient."
Abstract This paper examines some of the controversy in the field of cognitive psychology. Although it is a discipline based on behavior, critics feel it is not a true science. The author puts particular emphasis on B.F. Skinner's critique of the field. Opinions in favor of cognitive psychology are also presented.
From the Paper "Psychology has been traditionally one of the most criticized fields with regard to its scientific bases; the "continued focus on conceptually vague mentalistic constructs" make the field a difficult one to define, much less evaluate (Schlinger 123). The concept of cognitive psychology, the study of the mental processes which underlie and shape behavior, is a shadowy and shifting one to grasp, since each generation (and often, several factions within those groups) seem to create new or varied methods of said evaluation"
Abstract This paper is a summary and comment on an article by Aronson called "The Rationalizing Animal", concerning Feistinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, how dissonance develops, how dissonance is resolved through rationalization, the lengths to which the individual will go to resolve dissonance It also discusses how dissonance is involved in the operation of conscience.
From the Paper "Aronson (1973) examines the concept of rationalization from the point of view of a psychologist examining human behavior and why people believe things that make little sense, suggesting that they may be rationalizing in order to reconcile different ideas they may hold at the same time. The author refers to the theory of cognitive dissonance offered by Feistinger in 1957, a theory that describes and predicts such rationalizing behavior. We receive messages from our surroundings all the time that may challenge our assumptions, our beliefs, or our behaviors, and we may continue behaviors that counter these messages even if we believe the message as well. Aronson notes that the more the individual is committed to a course of action, the more he or she will resist any information that threatens to change that course. This creates cognitive dissonance, and the individual will seek to reduce that dissonance through rationalization."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts various cognition principles as applied to a high school journalism class. Specifically, the paper examines situated cognition,distributed cognition,and socially shared cognition principles. The paper looks at commonalities and differences and analyzes what objectives are easily assessed from each theoretical framework.
From the Paper "The students in a 12th grade journalism class are learning interviewing skills and how to assemble a news story. The students are assigned to travel to the local government center where reporters are assembling for a statewide video-feed media conference with the governor of the state. There, they will join working reporters who will question the governor after she makes her opening remarks. Instructional Objectives: Each student will be able to: 1. Determine the newsworthiness of topics for a news stories. 2. Select the most newsworthy topic. 3. Plan and write a news story for publication on the same day. 4. Publish the edited story on the class web site as part of the school's intranet. Assessment Methods: 1. News stories will be reviewed for understanding of basic journalistic concepts taught in class."
Abstract This paper discusses IQ tests: their history, their significance and their conclusions. It discusses the first IQ tests in history and explains how the idea came about. It defines several relevant psychological terms such as cognition, intelligence, thinking, and more. It studies the environmental and genetic causes of low cognitive ability: Finally, it concludes that cognition and the study of the brain will develop greatly in the future using FMRI's and other new techniques.
From the Paper "Ever since Simon and Binet developed the first intelligence test in 1905, the field of psychology has maintained a strong interest in the nature of intelligence. How do we think? Why are some people better problem solvers than others? What is cognition, the ability to think about our environment? Why are some people consistently more able to use their brains to think, to remember, and to problem-solve than others?"
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract The essay evaluates three different intelligence or cognitive tests, namely Raven's test, the Mental Alertness test (HSRC) and the Cognitive Process Profile. These tests are used in both academic and workplace settings and are mainly critiqued in this essay according to their manual information, norm groups, reliability, purpose, and item content.
From the Paper "Intelligence tests are being used increasingly to assist individuals in educational planning, and in making decisions about aspects of their own lives" (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997). Raven's tests have been described as "tests of observation and clear thinking"( Raven et al., 1998, p.657). The Mental Alertness test is to provide measures of general intelligence, arithmetical ability and certain language abilities (Lombard, 1975). A strength of the Cognitive Process Profile is that it measures learning potential and involves a teach-test-teach approach (CPP Manual, 2000).?
Abstract This is a review of a cognitive psychology article that found that older adults can accurately assess the side effects of their own medications -- something that tends to be dismissed by health professionals who do not believe that older adults have sufficient cognitive skills to make such assessments.
Abstract This is a three-page paper on cognitive dissonance. A person who can handle one situation well, but not another tends to experience discomfort from cognitive dissonance. The paper explores How this can affect others in business or at the workplace.
Abstract This paper identifies three assumptions on cognitive development that may already be outdated or no longer apply to current developments and discusses propositions that may be accepted in the current period. Moreover, the paper compares and differentiates two great minds in cognitive theory, Bruner and Vygotsky.
From the Paper "There are many ways in which cognitive development can be learned and studied, but I just want to point out three assumptions on children and human nature which might be problematic for educators, specifically early childhood educators. The separation of mind and body: It is usual to think that thinking from feeling and thinking from social interaction is separate. The cognitive becomes attached to the logical, reasoned, rule-governed, and thoughtful; non-cognitive becomes everything else, including the intuitive, the emotional, and the social. We assume that developments on the cognitive side of the fence can be isolated, observed, described and even fostered without direct involvement of non-cognitive processes (Siefert, 2002). Unfortunately, this assumption is far from the fact, that work with children routinely requires attention to the common influence of the cognitive and non-cognitive. Unfortunately, the facts uncovered about this assumption is still being used today and textbooks, research programs and entire academic careers are arranged in such a way."
Abstract This paper examines cognitive theories and the cognitive approach to treatment of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The paper focuses on the psychological aspects of treatment.
From the Paper "The paper begins with a brief review of the nature of Alzheimer's Disease. It is then noted that, while historically it has been thought that there was little to be done in order to improve the functioning of people with this disorder, cognitive theories and cognitive interventions have changed this view. The paper then discuses how cognitive theories have helped to produce greater insight and understanding into the..."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses the process of learning as a global one. The writer discusses that cognitive therapy or behavioral therapy has often been used as a treatment method for various mental disabilities. The writer maintains that the process of cognitive therapy also has universal or global potential in treating psychopathology. The writer continues that this could be the case - although certain individuals - and certain pathologies - are more amenable to such treatment than are others.
From the Paper "Cognitive therapy also called cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be a highly effective method of treatment for a number of different mental disabilities. Cognitive therapy incorporates one of the core models of psychology classical conditioning and learning with the more recently developed concept of cognitive distortion to help individuals change the way in which they interpret the world around them. This paper examines the model of cognitive therapy looking in particular at the function of interpretation in the process of cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy is based on the ... "
