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Dec 22, 2025

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Understanding Cognitive Psychology: Insights and Basics

user profile picture

Demetra @demetra_21

Ever wondered how your brain actually processes all the information around you and turns it into memories? Cognitive... Show more

What is it?
The study of how we take in information from the outside world, process and then
use it to help us function successfully.
It is

Understanding Cognitive Psychology

Think of your brain as the ultimate processing machine that's constantly working behind the scenes. Cognitive psychology studies exactly how you take in information from the world around you, process it, and then use it to navigate daily life successfully.

This field focuses on the internal operations of your mind - basically, what's happening in your head between experiencing something and responding to it. Unlike other areas of psychology that might look at behaviour alone, cognitive psychology digs into the mental processes that actually drive your actions.

Researchers use cognitive neuropsychology to understand how the mind works by studying people with brain damage. By seeing what changes when certain brain areas are affected, scientists can map out how different mental processes normally function.

Your mind works like a computer system input (information comes through your senses), process (information gets encoded and stored), and output (information gets retrieved when you need it). There are two main ways your brain processes incoming information top-down processing uses your existing knowledge and experiences to fill in gaps, whilst bottom-up processing builds understanding from the raw sensory details coming in.

Quick Tip Babies rely heavily on bottom-up processing since they don't have much prior experience to draw from yet!

How Memory Actually Works

Memory is your brain's filing system for keeping information about experiences, facts, and skills even after the original experience has ended. It's not just one simple process - memory involves three distinct stages that work together.

Memory encoding transforms sensory information into a format your brain can store. You can encode information visually (what something looks like), acoustically (how it sounds), or semantically (what it means). The way you encode something affects how well you'll remember it later.

Memory storage is where your brain keeps encoded information, and it varies in duration, capacity, and the type of information held. How you store memories directly impacts how easily you can retrieve them when needed.

Memory retrieval is getting stored information back out when you need it. Your short-term memory works sequentially - you remember things in the order you heard them. Long-term memory works through association - that's why going back to where you first thought of something often helps you remember what you were trying to recall.

Study Hack Understanding these three stages can help you develop better revision strategies by focusing on how you encode, store, and retrieve information!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Cognitive Psychology Overview

Explore the key concepts of cognitive psychology, including the role of schemas, theoretical and computer models, and the emergence of cognitive neuroscience. This summary highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive approach, emphasizing its scientific basis and the implications for understanding mental processes. Ideal for students studying psychology.

PsychologyPsychology
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Working Memory Model Insights

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Working Memory Model, including detailed explanations of its components: the central executive, phonological loop, and visuo-spatial sketchpad. This summary provides essential information for exam preparation and understanding cognitive processes in memory. Ideal for students studying models of memory.

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Cognitive Psychology Insights

Explore the key concepts of cognitive psychology, including models of memory, cognitive processes, and the role of schemas. This summary delves into the biological bases of behavior, cognitive neuroscience, and evaluates various approaches within the field. Ideal for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of cognitive theories and their applications in therapy and memory studies.

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Cognitive Psychology Insights

Explore the limitations of machine reductionism in cognitive psychology, focusing on schemas and their impact on mental processes. This summary highlights key concepts such as cognitive frameworks, the role of inference, and the implications of faulty schemas on mental health. Ideal for students studying the cognitive approach in psychology.

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Most popular content: Memory

Most popular content in Psychology

Most popular content

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

496

Dec 22, 2025

1 page

Understanding Cognitive Psychology: Insights and Basics

user profile picture

Demetra

@demetra_21

Ever wondered how your brain actually processes all the information around you and turns it into memories? Cognitive psychology is all about understanding how your mind works - from the moment information hits your senses to when you recall it... Show more

What is it?
The study of how we take in information from the outside world, process and then
use it to help us function successfully.
It is

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Understanding Cognitive Psychology

Think of your brain as the ultimate processing machine that's constantly working behind the scenes. Cognitive psychology studies exactly how you take in information from the world around you, process it, and then use it to navigate daily life successfully.

This field focuses on the internal operations of your mind - basically, what's happening in your head between experiencing something and responding to it. Unlike other areas of psychology that might look at behaviour alone, cognitive psychology digs into the mental processes that actually drive your actions.

Researchers use cognitive neuropsychology to understand how the mind works by studying people with brain damage. By seeing what changes when certain brain areas are affected, scientists can map out how different mental processes normally function.

Your mind works like a computer system: input (information comes through your senses), process (information gets encoded and stored), and output (information gets retrieved when you need it). There are two main ways your brain processes incoming information: top-down processing uses your existing knowledge and experiences to fill in gaps, whilst bottom-up processing builds understanding from the raw sensory details coming in.

Quick Tip: Babies rely heavily on bottom-up processing since they don't have much prior experience to draw from yet!

How Memory Actually Works

Memory is your brain's filing system for keeping information about experiences, facts, and skills even after the original experience has ended. It's not just one simple process - memory involves three distinct stages that work together.

Memory encoding transforms sensory information into a format your brain can store. You can encode information visually (what something looks like), acoustically (how it sounds), or semantically (what it means). The way you encode something affects how well you'll remember it later.

Memory storage is where your brain keeps encoded information, and it varies in duration, capacity, and the type of information held. How you store memories directly impacts how easily you can retrieve them when needed.

Memory retrieval is getting stored information back out when you need it. Your short-term memory works sequentially - you remember things in the order you heard them. Long-term memory works through association - that's why going back to where you first thought of something often helps you remember what you were trying to recall.

Study Hack: Understanding these three stages can help you develop better revision strategies by focusing on how you encode, store, and retrieve information!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

7

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar Content

Cognitive Psychology Overview

Explore the key concepts of cognitive psychology, including the role of schemas, theoretical and computer models, and the emergence of cognitive neuroscience. This summary highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive approach, emphasizing its scientific basis and the implications for understanding mental processes. Ideal for students studying psychology.

PsychologyPsychology
12

Working Memory Model Insights

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Working Memory Model, including detailed explanations of its components: the central executive, phonological loop, and visuo-spatial sketchpad. This summary provides essential information for exam preparation and understanding cognitive processes in memory. Ideal for students studying models of memory.

PsychologyPsychology
12

Cognitive Psychology Insights

Explore the key concepts of cognitive psychology, including models of memory, cognitive processes, and the role of schemas. This summary delves into the biological bases of behavior, cognitive neuroscience, and evaluates various approaches within the field. Ideal for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of cognitive theories and their applications in therapy and memory studies.

PsychologyPsychology
12

Cognitive Psychology Insights

Explore the limitations of machine reductionism in cognitive psychology, focusing on schemas and their impact on mental processes. This summary highlights key concepts such as cognitive frameworks, the role of inference, and the implications of faulty schemas on mental health. Ideal for students studying the cognitive approach in psychology.

PsychologyPsychology
12

Most popular content: Memory

Most popular content in Psychology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user