Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A cognitive phenomenon refers to a mental process or event that occurs within an individual's mind, influencing their perception, thinking, and behavior.
A series of mental activities that involve acquiring, processing, storing, and using information. For example, attention and memory are two important cognitive processes.
A systematic error in thinking or decision-making that affects our judgments and perceptions. An example is confirmation bias - the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs.
The progressive growth of intellectual abilities from infancy to adulthood. This includes changes in thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, language acquisition, and moral reasoning.