Findings related to human cognitive processes.
Visualization and the Embodied Mind
In the late 1970’s, linguistics researchers began to realize something interesting about our day-to-day conversation: we tend to use metaphors far more frequently than anyone had recognized. The reason it took so long to notice is that most of the metaphors we use are deeply engrained in our thinking. So deeply, in fact, that they’re almost unrecognizable for what […]
Attention System 1
Here’s a word problem for you to try:
Mary buys a stapler for $12, and also a notebook. She pays $17 altogether. Paul buys a notebook and also a ruler. He pays $8 less than Mary did. How much does the ruler cost?
Try to do it […]
The Head and the Gut
Cognitive science researchers generally agree that we have two separate but interoperating cognitive systems. System 1 (commonly known as intuition) automatically recognizes situations when they occur and recalls relevant information from long term memory. System 2 (also known as reason or rationality) is the mechanism we associate with the conscious […]
Environments for Thinking
Survival is really hard. You’re always busy either trying to find something to eat or to avoid being eaten. Because of this, many organisms have evolved strategies for modifying their physical environments to improve their chances of success. Beavers build dams. Birds build nests. The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects the ant Camponotus leonardi and highjacks […]