4. Cognitive Learning
Latent Learning
Hidden learning that exists
without behavioral signs
Cognitive Maps
Mental Image of a three-
dimensional space that an
organism has navigated
*PLACE CELLS
5. Perception
• Perceptual processes include:
– Selection refers to choosing
which of many stimuli that will
be processed.
– Organization involves collecting
the information into some
pattern.
– Interpretation involves
understanding the pattern.
• Perception is not passive
• Perceptions can be in error
– Illusions are visual stimuli that
are misinterpreted .
7. Perceived Motion
• Phi phenomenon
– When two lights flash at
a certain speed, we
perceive a singular light
oscillating back and forth.
– Apparent movement: (see
movement when no
movement has actually
taken place)
8. Gestalt Organizational Principles
• The German word
gestalt can be translated
to mean form, pattern,
configuration.
• This configuration or
pattern offers an
“organization” to
perception which the
individual experiences.
13. Law of Prägnanz
• Prägnanz means “essence”
• Overriding principle that envelops all
perceptual laws.
– Tendency to make every psychological
event simple, concise, symmetrical,
harmonious and complete.
• Learning follows the Law of Prägnanz
– formation of memory traces (which are
subject to this law)
14. Perceptual Constancies
Size Constancy Shape Constancy
Kohler’s TRANSPOSITION: when we attend to an object
we also attend to its RELATIONSHIP with other objects
15. Define the problem (GIVENS).
Clarify your objectives (GOAL).
Identify alternatives (OPERATIONS).
Analyze the consequences.
Make a choice.
The Decision-Making /
Problem-Solving Process
16. The Decision-Making /
Problem-Solving Process
• Is this how you make all your
decisions?
–Do you quantify cost and expected value?
–Make the most rational choice?
• Subjective Utility
17. • Algorithm
–methodical, logical rule or procedure that
guarantees solving a particular problem
Problem Solving
• Heuristic
–rule-of-thumb strategy that often allows
us to make judgments and solve problems
efficiently
18. –rule of thumb for judging the likelihood of
things in terms of how well they seem to
represent, or match, particular
prototypes
–may lead one to ignore other relevant
information
Representative Heuristic
19. –judging the likelihood of an event
based on how readily available other
instances are in memory
–Fluency
Availability Heuristic
20. Gestalt studies of learning
• Köhler’s chimps demonstrated insight learning
(sudden understanding of a problem that implies
the solution).
Insight Learning Chimpanzee Problem Solving
24. • Belief Bias
– the tendency for one’s preexisting beliefs to
distort logical reasoning
– Confirmation bias
• Belief Perseverance
– clinging to one’s initial conceptions after the basis
on which they were formed has been discredited
Further Obstacles to
Problem Solving
25. • Overconfidence
• Framing: the way an issue is posed
–how an issue is framed can significantly
affect decisions and judgments
Overcoming Obstacles to
Problem Solving
27. Classic Problems and Solutions
• Solving by analogy
– Using a solution to a related problem
– Requires seeing the similar structure & inference
28. Problem of Transfer
• Inert knowledge.
– People know the answer, but they do not use it.
• People attend to “surface” features.
– Negative transfer can occur.
– Failed transfer if surface differs (radiation v.
fortress).
