Cognitive psychology explores how our minds work - from how... Show more
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Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology investigates the mind and mental processes that help us gain knowledge through thought and experience. Think of your brain as a super-complex computer - cognitive psychologists study how this "computer" processes information!
The field examines several fascinating areas including memory (how we store and retrieve information), attention (how we focus on certain things), and decision making (how we make choices). It also explores problem solving, language processing, learning, perception, and even consciousness.
Scientists in this field use research methods to study how people perceive their world, learn new information, remember experiences, and think through situations. These insights help us better understand the connection between our minds and our behaviors.
Mind Matters: Everything you do - from remembering your locker combination to solving a math problem - involves cognitive processes that scientists can actually study and explain!
Key Concepts in Cognitive Psychology
Your brain processes information in different ways depending on the situation. Some processes happen automatically (like recognizing a friend's face) while others require effortful processing (like studying for a test). Similarly, you might use deep processing when trying to understand complex concepts versus shallow processing for basic information.
Memory isn't just one system but several distinct types that work together. We encode new information, store it, and later retrieve it when needed. Using special techniques called mnemonics can significantly improve how well you remember things.
Language involves multiple components including phonology (speech sounds), semantics (meanings), and syntax (grammar rules). How we communicate is influenced by biological, cognitive, and cultural factors.
When solving problems, we use various approaches like trial-and-error, algorithms , heuristics (mental shortcuts), and sometimes sudden insight where the solution just "clicks."
Success Tip: Understanding how your cognitive processes work can help you develop better study habits and problem-solving strategies!
Cognitive Processes and Attention
Your brain has amazing capabilities for processing information! Cognition refers to your thinking processes, which can happen in two main ways. Automatic processing occurs unconsciously (like reading road signs while driving), while effortful processing requires conscious focus (like solving a new type of math problem).
How deeply you process information also affects learning. Shallow processing focuses on surface features (like how a word looks), whereas deep processing involves understanding meaning, which leads to better memory.
Attention is your brain's spotlight that determines what you focus on. With focused attention, you concentrate on just one thing (like reading this summary). Divided attention happens when you try to focus on multiple things at once - though you're usually less effective when multitasking!
Brain Boost: When studying important material, eliminate distractions and use deep processing by connecting new information to things you already know. Your memory will thank you!
Memory Systems and Techniques
Memory is your brain's incredible storage system! It starts with encoding - converting information into a form your brain can store using acoustic codes (sounds), visual codes (pictures), or semantic codes (meanings). Using imagery and the self-reference effect (relating information to yourself) makes encoding stronger.
Your memory works in stages. Sensory memory briefly holds exact copies of what you see (iconic memory) or hear (echoic memory). Then short-term memory takes over, holding limited information for a short time.
Memory champions use powerful techniques called mnemonics to remember incredible amounts of information. The method of loci involves mentally placing items along a familiar route. Other helpful strategies include using the spacing effect (studying over time rather than cramming) and chunking (grouping information into meaningful units).
When recalling lists, you'll likely remember the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) better than the middle - this is called the serial position effect.
Memory Magic: Try chunking your next phone number or list of items to remember. Breaking 8675309 into 867-53-09 makes it much easier to recall!
We thought you’d never ask...
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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
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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
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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
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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
Understanding Cognitive Psychology Basics
Cognitive psychology explores how our minds work - from how we remember things to how we solve problems. It's the scientific study of mental processes that shape our daily experiences, helping us understand why we think and behave the way... Show more
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology investigates the mind and mental processes that help us gain knowledge through thought and experience. Think of your brain as a super-complex computer - cognitive psychologists study how this "computer" processes information!
The field examines several fascinating areas including memory (how we store and retrieve information), attention (how we focus on certain things), and decision making (how we make choices). It also explores problem solving, language processing, learning, perception, and even consciousness.
Scientists in this field use research methods to study how people perceive their world, learn new information, remember experiences, and think through situations. These insights help us better understand the connection between our minds and our behaviors.
Mind Matters: Everything you do - from remembering your locker combination to solving a math problem - involves cognitive processes that scientists can actually study and explain!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Concepts in Cognitive Psychology
Your brain processes information in different ways depending on the situation. Some processes happen automatically (like recognizing a friend's face) while others require effortful processing (like studying for a test). Similarly, you might use deep processing when trying to understand complex concepts versus shallow processing for basic information.
Memory isn't just one system but several distinct types that work together. We encode new information, store it, and later retrieve it when needed. Using special techniques called mnemonics can significantly improve how well you remember things.
Language involves multiple components including phonology (speech sounds), semantics (meanings), and syntax (grammar rules). How we communicate is influenced by biological, cognitive, and cultural factors.
When solving problems, we use various approaches like trial-and-error, algorithms , heuristics (mental shortcuts), and sometimes sudden insight where the solution just "clicks."
Success Tip: Understanding how your cognitive processes work can help you develop better study habits and problem-solving strategies!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cognitive Processes and Attention
Your brain has amazing capabilities for processing information! Cognition refers to your thinking processes, which can happen in two main ways. Automatic processing occurs unconsciously (like reading road signs while driving), while effortful processing requires conscious focus (like solving a new type of math problem).
How deeply you process information also affects learning. Shallow processing focuses on surface features (like how a word looks), whereas deep processing involves understanding meaning, which leads to better memory.
Attention is your brain's spotlight that determines what you focus on. With focused attention, you concentrate on just one thing (like reading this summary). Divided attention happens when you try to focus on multiple things at once - though you're usually less effective when multitasking!
Brain Boost: When studying important material, eliminate distractions and use deep processing by connecting new information to things you already know. Your memory will thank you!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Memory Systems and Techniques
Memory is your brain's incredible storage system! It starts with encoding - converting information into a form your brain can store using acoustic codes (sounds), visual codes (pictures), or semantic codes (meanings). Using imagery and the self-reference effect (relating information to yourself) makes encoding stronger.
Your memory works in stages. Sensory memory briefly holds exact copies of what you see (iconic memory) or hear (echoic memory). Then short-term memory takes over, holding limited information for a short time.
Memory champions use powerful techniques called mnemonics to remember incredible amounts of information. The method of loci involves mentally placing items along a familiar route. Other helpful strategies include using the spacing effect (studying over time rather than cramming) and chunking (grouping information into meaningful units).
When recalling lists, you'll likely remember the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) better than the middle - this is called the serial position effect.
Memory Magic: Try chunking your next phone number or list of items to remember. Breaking 8675309 into 867-53-09 makes it much easier to recall!
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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Most popular content in AP Psychology
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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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