UNCONSCIOUS COGNITION Meaning and
Definition
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Unconscious cognition refers to mental processes or cognitive activities that occur outside of conscious awareness. It involves the processing of information, making judgments, and decision-making without the individual being aware of it. This concept suggests that there is a significant portion of cognitive processing that takes place in the mind beyond conscious perception.
Unconscious cognition can occur in various forms, such as automatic processing, implicit memory, and implicit learning. Automatic processing refers to the effortless and involuntary mental operations that take place in response to stimuli, often occurring without conscious control. Implicit memory refers to the ability to recall information and previous experiences without conscious effort. Implicit learning involves acquiring new knowledge or skills without the awareness of the learning process itself.
Research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience has begun to uncover the mechanisms and functions of unconscious cognition. Studies have demonstrated how people can make accurate and successful decisions even when they cannot consciously explain the reasoning behind them. Unconscious cognition has been associated with the brain's ability to quickly process vast amounts of information and retrieve relevant knowledge without conscious effort.
Understanding unconscious cognition has practical implications in various fields, including education, marketing, and therapy. By recognizing the influence of unconscious processes on behavior and decision-making, educators can design effective instructional techniques. Marketers can utilize implicit associations to influence consumer preferences. Therapists can employ techniques that tap into unconscious processes to facilitate positive behavioral changes.
Etymology of UNCONSCIOUS COGNITION
The etymology of the phrase "unconscious cognition" can be broken down as follows:
1. Unconscious: The word "unconscious" is derived from the Latin term "inconscius", which is a combination of the prefix "in" meaning "not" and "conscius" meaning "aware" or "conscious". It entered English usage during the mid-17th century and refers to a state of being unaware or lacking consciousness.
2. Cognition: The term "cognition" comes from the Latin word "cognitio", which is derived from the verb "cognoscere" meaning "to get to know" or "to perceive". It entered English in the early 15th century and encompasses mental processes such as perception, thinking, understanding, and knowledge acquisition.
When these terms are combined, "unconscious cognition" refers to mental processes or activities that occur outside of conscious awareness.
