Cognitive Psychology: Psycho-linguistic

 

Abstract:

In this presentation we are studying Psycho-linguistic. We will learn the concept of Psycho-linguistics and differentiate b/w linguistics and psycho-linguistics. We will go through its important aspects and primary processes involving language comprehension, language production and language acquisition. The relationship between language and thought will also be observed. And the scope of psycho linguistics will be seen.

Introduction:

It is when we combine Psychology and Linguistics to understand the relationship between the human brain and language in general. It deals with whatever happens in one's brain whenever they produce or receive language (both written and spoken).

Psycholinguistics:

Psych means mind and linguistic means language. The study of language in mind is psycho-linguistics. So, we understand that psycho-analysis is the study of mental faculties involved in perception, production and acquisition of language.

Origin of term:

The term psycho-linguistics was coined in 1936 by Jacob Robert Kantor in his book An Objective Psychology of Grammar and started being used among his team at Indiana University, but its use finally became frequent thanks to the 1946 article “Language and psycho-linguistics: a review”, by his student Nicholas Henry Pronko, where it was used for the first time to talk about an interdisciplinary science that could be coherent.

Chomsky’s Theory of Language Acquisition:

Chomsky's theory of language acquisition argues that human brain structures naturally allow for the capacity to learn and use languages. Chomsky believed that rules for language acquisition are innate (inborn) and strengthen naturally as humans grow and develop.

Areas of study:

The areas of study are:

Ø Cognitive Psychology

Ø Theoretical Linguistics

Ø Clinical Linguistics

Ø Speech science

Ø Phonetics

Ø Computer Science

Processes:

The processes involved are:

Ø Language Acquisition

Ø Language Production

Ø Language Comprehension

Language Acquisition:

Language acquisition is the technique through which people acquire the potential to understand and recognize language, in addition to provide and use words and sentences to speak.

Language Comprehension:

It is understanding what other people say and write.  Comprehending language involves a variety of capacities, skills, processes, knowledge, and dispositions that are used to derive meaning from spoken, written, and signed language.

Language Production:

Language production is the production of spoken or written language. It describes all of the stages between having a concept, and translating that concept into linguistic form.

Language and thought:

Different theories propose different relationships between language and thought. Piaget's theory of cognitive development argues that children's ability to use language and the content of their speech depends on their stage of cognitive development. In contrast, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis proposes that the language we use to communicate determines how we think of the world around us, affecting cognitive processes like memory and perception.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, psycho-linguistics is a fascinating field that examines the cognitive processes involved in language production, comprehension, and acquisition. Through the study of psycho-linguistics, researchers and practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of how humans use language to communicate, learn, and express themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/psycholinguistics

https://assignmentpoint.com/psycholinguistics/

https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/psychology/social-context-of-behaviour/language-and-thought/

 

https://www.slideshare.net/Rdsari/production-and-comprehension-process-of-language

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cgpfw4z8cw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbNeiuFlCaI&t=46s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9shPouRWCs&t=364s

https://youtu.be/sbHG1lwK7O4

 

 

 

Cognitive Psychology: LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT

 LANGUAGE :-

Language is one of the systems through which we communicate, and it typically involves communicating through sounds and written communication with the use of symbols, but it can 

also involve our bodies (body language, how we smile, move, and approach people are all forms up for interpretation in the game of language).

LANGUAGE SKILLS CHART:-

 

THOUGHT:-

According to cognitive science, thoughts are mental representations of information that help you make sense of the world. The thought not only represents something but has the power to make changes in your body.

EXAMPLE :-

The way you think about things affects how you feel and behave. If you have positive, helpful thoughts, you will feel better and more likely to do something that helps you. On the other hand, if you have negative, harmful thoughts, you will feel worse and be more likely to do things that negatively impact your life.

WHAT COMES FIRST:LANGUAGE OR THOUGHT:-

There have been many debates regarding what comes first, language or thought. According to research, thought comes before language. A child is born with the ability to think about objects before they learn language. Although thought comes first, the language an individual speaks influences their mind and ability to interact with the world around them.

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT:-

Cognitive development is the gradual development of the brain's ability to think and make decisions. In children, cognitive development includes the development of language and thought. Cognitive development begins early in childhood, generally from birth to age 5. During this time, children process information by observing and interacting with others

Language and cognitive skills are strongly related. Although a child cannot form words for several months, they begin to learn language from the first time they hear it. How a child learns language can impact the way they learn throughout life. Strong language skills are often associated with strong cognitive skills. Another way information may be processed is through visual thinking. Visual thinking, also known as picture learning, is the process of organizing thoughts through visual images. This process of learning is common to some degree in many people.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT:-

The relationship between thinking and language is what psychologists have been studying for decades. How an individual thinks is directly correlated to their language. Thinking is a cognitive process that allows an individual to make connections and develop meaning for the world around them.

THEORIES OF LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT:-

1.       The two main theories representing different perspectives on language and thought you should know about are Piaget's theory and the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

PIAGET’S THEORY OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT:-

2.       According to Piaget's theory, language is preceded by and depends on thought. Before children can use words correctly they need to first develop an understanding of the concepts behind them

This occurs through the development of schemas, a process which precedes language development.

CONCLUSION:-

3.                  The conclusion is that Language and thought have interactive in that language dictates thought whereas thought also influences Language.

As our minds learn language, that language creates a framework that allows our mind to form consistent and conscious thought. Humans are amazingly self-reflective, thinking about ourselves and our experiences and our very existence. Language allows our minds to process this information in a consistent way.

REFERENCES:-

4.                  https://study.com/learn/lesson/relationship-between-thinking-language-facts-studies-importance.html#:~:text=Lesson%20Summary-,Thinking%20is%20a%20cognitive%20process%20that%20allows%20an%20individual%20to,society%2C%20values%2C%20and%20beliefs

5.                  https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/psychology/social-context-of-behaviour/language-and-thought/

  

Cogniotive Psychology: Syllogism

 

History:

•      Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, was one of the first to discuss syllogisms.

•      Syllogism derives from the Greek word syllogismos, meaning conclusion or inference.

What is syllogism?

A syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two premises. The conclusion is valid only if the premises are true.

Syllogism in cognitive psychology refers to a type of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two propositions, known as premises.

Explanation:

A syllogism usually contains a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion that can be logically deduced from the premises. The validity of the conclusion depends on the logical relationship between the premises. Syllogisms are often used in research on reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, and other cognitive processes.

Syllogisms are arguments about the properties of entities. They consist of 2 premises and a conclusion, which can each be in 1 of 4 "moods": All A are B, Some A are B, No A are B, and Some A are not B.

Example:

Premise 1: All men are mortal.

Premise 2: Socrates is a man.

Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

 

This example shows how syllogisms use deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusion that is logically valid based on two premises. In this case, the conclusion follows logically from the two premises, which are both assumed to be true.

Components of Syllogism:

1.   Premises:

 Syllogism consists of two premises, which are statements that provide information about the relationship between two concepts. For example, "All mammals are animals" and "All elephants are mammals."

 

2.   Conclusion:

The conclusion is the logical inference drawn from the two premises. In the aforementioned example, the conclusion would be "All elephants are animals."

 

3.   Categorical Propositions:

 Syllogisms are expressed in categorical propositions, which are statements about the relationship between categories or classes. These propositions can be either affirmative (e.g., "All elephants are mammals") or negative (e.g., "No elephants are fish").

Types of syllogism:

•        Conditional syllogism

•        Conditional syllogism

•        Disjunctive syllogism

Catagorical syllogism:

The most commonly used type of syllogisms are the categorical syllogisms. The basic for this syllogism type is if A is a part of C, then B is a part of C (A and B are members of C).

Example:

Major premise:  All men are mortal.

Minor premise:  Socrates is a man.

Conclusion:  Socrates is mortal.

Conditional syllogism:

Conditional syllogisms are better known as hypothetical syllogisms, because the arguments used here are not always valid. The basic of this syllogism type is: if A is true then B is true as well.

Example:

Major premise: Richard likes Germany.

Minor premise: Richard likes all German things.

Conclusion: If Richard likes Germany, then he must drive an Audi.

Disjunctive Syllogism :

These syllogism types do not actually state that a certain premise (major or minor) is correct but is does states that one of the premises is correct.The basic type for this syllogism is: Either A or B is true, but they can’t be true at the same time. 

Example:

Major premise:  Either the meeting is at school or at home.

Minor premise:  The meeting is not at home.

Conclusion:  Therefore the meeting is at school.

Rules of Syllogism:

•        Rule One: There must be three terms: the major premise, the minor premise and the conclusion — no more, no less.

•        Rule Two: The minor premise must be distributed in at least one other premise.

•        Rule Three: Any terms distributed in the conclusion must be distributed in the relevant premise.

•        Rule Four: Do not use two negative premises.

•        Rule Five: If one of the two premises is negative, the conclusion must be negative.

•        Rule Six: From two universal premises, no conclusion may be drawn

Conclusion:

Syllogism is a crucial concept in cognitive psychology that helps in understanding the logical reasoning abilities of individuals. It provides a structured framework to evaluate the validity of arguments and conclusions, which is essential in critical thinking. By understanding the different components of syllogism, one can improve their deductive reasoning skills and make informed decisions based on well-supported arguments.

Cognitive Psychology: Reasoning and Conditional Reasoning

 

Introduction:

Cognitive psychology explores how humans process information, make decisions, and reason through various mental processes. Two important concepts within cognitive psychology are reasoning and conditioning reasoning.

Reasoning :

Define:

Reasoning refers to the cognitive process of drawing conclusions or making inferences based on available information or evidence. It involves using logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to arrive at a justified belief or decision.

Types of Reasoning:

·         Deductive Reasoning: Deductive reasoning involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles or premises. It follows a top-down approach and is based on formal logic.

·         Inductive Reasoning: Inductive reasoning involves deriving general principles or conclusions from specific observations or evidence. It follows a bottom-up approach and relies on probability and generalizations.

Role in Cognitive Psychology:

·         Problem Solving:

Reasoning plays a crucial role in problem-solving tasks, allowing individuals to evaluate information, generate solutions, and make decisions.

·         Decision Making:

Reasoning helps individuals weigh pros and cons, consider potential outcomes, and choose the most suitable option in decision-making processes.

·         Cognitive Development:

 Reasoning abilities develop and evolve across the lifespan, influencing cognitive development and the acquisition of knowledge.

Conditioning Reasoning:

Definition:

Conditioning reasoning refers to the cognitive process through which individuals learn to associate specific stimuli with certain outcomes or consequences. It involves forming conditioned responses based on repeated pairings of stimuli and outcomes.

 

 

 

Role in Cognitive Psychology:

 

·         Learning and Behavior Modification:

Conditioning reasoning is essential in understanding how individuals learn new behaviors and modify existing ones.

·         Therapy and Behavior Change:

 Knowledge of conditioning reasoning is applied in therapeutic interventions, such as behavior modification techniques, to treat various psychological disorders.

Conclusion:

Reasoning and conditioning reasoning are important concepts in cognitive psychology. Reasoning enables individuals to draw conclusions and make decisions based on available information, while conditioning reasoning explores the process of learning associations between stimuli and outcomes. Understanding these concepts contributes to a comprehensive understanding of human cognitive processes and behavior.

 

References

·         https://reasoningforthedigitalage.com/conditional-reasoning

·         https://www.britannica.com/science/conditional-reasoning

·         https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/bf03209259

·         https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4316133

 

Cognitive Psychology: HEURISTICS AND ALGORITHM

 WHAT ARE HEURISTICS?

A heuristic is a rule of thumb, a trial, a strategy, or an error method of solving problem.  

                                                  OR 

A cognitive shortcut that helps us make decisions and judgements quickly.  

Example: Marketers use heuristics to understand and influence behavior.  

Following your hunch, it can be faster than an algorithm but doesn’t guarantee a solution.  

COMMON USES FOR HEURISTICS:  

Heuristics are used to,

·       Reduce mental effort needed to make decisions  

·       Simplify complex and difficult questions  

·       Help with problem solving  

·       They are fast and accurate way to arrive at a result

TYPES OF HEURISTICS:  

The four common types of heuristics include,  

·       Availability Heuristics  

·       Anchoring Heuristics  

·       Responsiveness Heuristics  

·       Affect Heuristics  

ALGORITHM:  

An algorithm is a systematic step by step, procedure for solving problems.  

Example: solving a complex mathematics problem, bake a cake Following the right instructions, it guarantees a solution.  

WHEN TO USE AN ALGORITHM:  

If complete accuracy is required, it is best to use an algorithm. By using an algorithm, accuracy is increased and potential mistakes are minimized.  

If you are working in a situation where you absolutely need the correct or best possible answer, your best bet to use an algorithm.  

WHEN TO USE HEURISTICS:  

On the other hand, if time is an issue, then it may be best to use a heuristic. Mistakes may occur, but this approach allows for speedy decisions when time is of the essence.  

Heuristics are more commonly used in everyday situations.  

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN ALGORITHM AND HEURISTICS:  

Algorithms and heuristics are different approaches to solving problems. Algorithm are comprehensive step-by-step procedures. They are exhaustive and guarantee the correct solution, but may be time-consuming and require a lot of mental effort. In contrast, heuristics are shortcut strategies or rules-of-thumb. Although they may save time and effort, they are not always guaranteed to yield the correct solution.  

CONCLUSION:  

In conclusion, heuristics and algorithms are two techniques to solve problems where, heuristics are used in everyday decisions. They are fast, unconscious and automatic whereas, algorithm is used in complex decisions. They are slow, conscious, effortful and reliable. 

Cognitive Psychology: Problem Solving by Analogy

 

Problem Solving by analogy:

Definition: Problem solving by analogy refers to the process of solving a new problem by drawing upon the knowledge and solutions from a similar, previously solved problem.

Importance of Analogy in Problem Solving:

·         Analogies help us make connections between problems that may appear unrelated at first.

·         They enable us to transfer knowledge and solutions from one domain to another.

·         Analogies stimulate creativity and innovation by providing new perspectives on problem solving.

Steps in Problem Solving by Analogy:

Identify the target problem: Clearly define the problem that needs to be solved.

Find a source problem: Search for a previously solved problem that shares similarities or patterns with the target problem.

Extract the underlying principles: Identify the key principles or strategies used to solve the source problem.

Apply the principles to the target problem: Adapt and apply the principles from the source problem to the target problem.

Evaluate and refine the solution: Assess the effectiveness of the applied principles and refine the solution as needed.

Examples of Problem Solving by Analogy:

1.      Wright Brothers and Bird Flight: The Wright Brothers’ observation and understanding of bird flight helped them design the first successful airplane.

2.      Velcro: The invention of Velcro was inspired by the observation of burrs sticking to clothes and fur.

3.      NASA’s Mars Rovers: NASA engineers used the analogy of remote-controlled cars to design and operate Mars rovers.

Benefits of Problem Solving by Analogy:

·         Enhanced creativity and innovation

·         Accelerated problem-solving process

·         Efficient utilization of existing knowledge and solutions

·         Increased flexibility and adaptability in solving new problems

 

 

Challenges in Problem Solving by Analogy:

·         Identifying appropriate source problems that have relevant similarities to the target problem.

·         Extracting the underlying principles effectively.

·         Adapting the principles to fit the target problem context.

·         Avoiding potential pitfalls of overgeneralization or oversimplification.

 

Tips for Effective Problem Solving by Analogy:

·         Build a diverse knowledge base: The broader your knowledge, the more diverse analogies you can draw upon.

·         Seek inspiration from various domains: Look beyond your immediate field to find relevant analogies.

·         Analyze successful solutions: Understand the underlying principles that led to success in previous problems.

·         Practice and refine your analogy skills: The more you practice, the better you become at recognizing analogies and applying them effectively.

Conclusion: Analogical problem solving is a valuable cognitive tool that can help us overcome challenges and find innovative solutions. By leveraging the power of connections and drawing upon existing knowledge, we can approach problem solving from fresh perspectives and unlock our creative problem-solving potential.

 

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_metaphor#:~:text

https://www.jstor.org/stable/1129778

https://glossary.sil.org/term/target-domain#:~:text=A%20target%20domain%20is%20a,The%20crime%20rate%20keeps%20rising.

https://www.grin.com/document/276480

YouTube

https://youtu.be/FOXGQC-yawE

https://youtu.be/L7OSy67tzwc