Cognition is a general term related to knowledge, to the way we absorb information acquired during our learning process, scientifically or empirically. In other words, it is the our capacity to process information according to stimuli that are sent to us by our senses.

In other words, by receiving external information we are able to assimilate it and transform it into knowledge, what we then call cognition. There are several cognitive processes, which involve memory, attention techniques, recall, reasoning, learning, language, among others. In addition, cognition is also related to our emotions and behavior, and this is what differentiates the humanof other beings.

Meaning of cognition

With origin of the word in learn In short, it refers to a psychological function, where we associate everything that is around us, and transform it into thoughts, judgments, imagination, attention .

In short, cognition is the way in which our brain perceives events and transforms them into knowledge.

Simply put, cognition is how the brain picks up external stimuli, through our five senses. In other words, cognition processes this sensory information from the external environment, interprets it, and retains it.

However, cognition goes beyond acquiring knowledge, it also serves as a means for our behaviors, for how our social relations will be conducted. In other words, cognition is the process by which human beings, given their experiences, begin to live in their environment with their fellow human beings.

What is cognition?

As said before, cognition is the the human capacity to process information and transform it into knowledge In this process, the human being has the basis for the development of his abilities, such as perception, imagination, value judgment, attention, reasoning, and memory. Therefore, the cognition is one of the elementary concepts in the theory of knowledge.

Therefore, cognitive development has a direct effect on human behavior, such as emotions and decision making, which defines our way of being. In the meantime, the psychological aspect, cognition becomes fundamental to our mental health, giving us quality of life and the ability to have relationships.

Meaning cognitive process

In short, cognitive process refers to the set of events necessary for the formation, by mental activity, of the content of knowledge. This process develops from early childhood to aging.

Cognitive functions play an essential role in the cognitive process, for the mind to create knowledge and interpretations. Among the main cognitive functions are:

• perception;
• attention;
• memory;
• thought;
• language;
• learning.

While these functions may seem basic to the human condition, know that they develop and are interpreted differently for each person. Each cognitive process will bring unique experiences to the person, according to their experiences and perceptions. In other words, stimuli are interpreted differently for each person, there is no standard for individual perceptions.

Understanding the cognitive process as a set of procedures that result in knowledge and decisions, each cognitive function has a representative role. Thus, below we will describe the main cognitive functions which, together, integrate new knowledge and interpretations about the environment in which we live.

Perception in the cognitive process:

Perception is our ability to understand the world according to the stimuli given to us by our primary senses:

• vision;
• smell;
• taste;
• audition;
• tact.

In this sense, perception plays its part in the cognitive process to allow one to understand one's environment through the interpretation of stimuli, received in various forms, through our senses.

Attention and cognition:

In this cognitive function occurs the concentration on a stimulus to then process it in a deeper way later. This is the cognitive function that is most used in everyday activities. Attention is also considered to be responsible for controlling the other cognitive processes For example, it takes attention to focus on situations that our perceptual senses have missed.

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In other words, it is through attention that we focus on a given stimulus in a deeper way, processing information in a centered way for day-to-day decision making.

Memory:

Memory is the cognitive function under which we are able to encode, record, and retrieve information from past experiences, which is a learning process, that assists us in creating our own personality.

There are several types of memory, for example, short-term memory, which refers to the ability to store information from the past during a short interval of time, for example, remembering a number until the moment you write it down.

Whereas, in another type of memory, for example, long-term memory, the memories are retained for a long period of time. This type of memory is subdivided into declarative memory, obtained through education and personal experiences ; and procedural memory, which refers to learning through routine activities, such as driving a car, for example.

Thinking in the cognitive process:

It is through thinking that it is possible to integrate the information received, relating it to the events and knowledge acquired. Thus, thinking uses reasoning to solve problems, which makes this cognitive function fundamental to the cognitive process.

Language:

As is implied, it is through language that we express our feelings and thoughts In other words, speech is the tool we use to communicate, transmitting information about ourselves and our environment. Furthermore, language and thought develop together because of their mutual influences.

Learning in the cognitive process:

Learning is the cognitive function where newly acquired information is incorporated into previous knowledge. During learning, a variety of elements are included, from basic to more complex, such as learning to walk, brush your hair, and even to perform socialization and decision-making activities.

In this sense, in the cognitive process, learning is responsible for storing information, resulting, then, in acquired knowledge. Therefore, the more information, that is, the greater the stimuli and activities developed, the better the learning will be.

This means that, besides the stimuli that are natural to us, learning can be stimulated and developed, such as, for example, through exercise solving, activity practice, problem solving, etc.

Human Cognition in Psychology

Although many fields have studied the relationship of cognition within human behavior, it was psychology, then called cognitive psychology, that established the link of cognition to behavior.

In this sense, psychology explains that human behavior is the result of a combination of individual characteristics, resulting from a series of reactions that it has, in face of the stimuli experienced in its environment.

Thus, cognitive psychology is nothing more than a scientific study of human behavior, in order to have an understanding of how mental processes are formed, which, then, are the basis for the intellectual development and behavior of people. From there, cognitive-behavioral therapy arose, which aims to work on the distortions of human cognition.

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Therefore, cognition is formed by a set of functions that form the cognitive process, which organizes the information received by the brain and transforms it into behavior and emotions.

However, if you have come this far, you may be interested in the study of the human mind and behavior, and we invite you to learn about our Training Course in Clinical Psychoanalysis. Among the benefits of the course are: (a) Improving Self-Knowledge: The experience of psychoanalysis is able to provide the student and the patient/client with insights into themselves that would be practically impossible to obtain in a clinical setting.impossible to achieve alone; (b) Improves interpersonal relationships: Understanding how the mind works can lead to better relationships with family and work members. The course is a tool that helps the student to understand other people's thoughts, feelings, emotions, pains, desires and motivations.

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