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🎠social psychology review

Explicit Cognition

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Explicit cognition refers to the conscious and intentional thought processes that individuals use when they analyze information, make decisions, or solve problems. This type of cognition involves awareness and is often deliberate, allowing people to reflect on their thoughts and adjust their reasoning as needed. Explicit cognition is essential for tasks that require careful consideration, such as making judgments or evaluating evidence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Explicit cognition allows individuals to analyze information systematically, leading to more informed decisions compared to relying solely on intuition.
  2. Tasks requiring explicit cognition often involve reasoning, planning, or evaluating options, which are more cognitively demanding than automatic responses.
  3. This type of cognition can be influenced by prior knowledge, experiences, and beliefs, which shape how individuals interpret new information.
  4. Explicit cognition contrasts with implicit cognition, where decisions are made automatically and without awareness, sometimes leading to biases.
  5. Individuals can improve their explicit cognitive processes through practice and education, enhancing their ability to think critically and make sound judgments.

Review Questions

  • How does explicit cognition differ from implicit cognition in decision-making processes?
    • Explicit cognition differs from implicit cognition primarily in terms of awareness and intentionality. While explicit cognition involves conscious thought processes where individuals actively analyze information and reflect on their choices, implicit cognition operates unconsciously, influencing decisions without the individual's awareness. This distinction is important because it highlights how different types of cognitive processes can lead to varying outcomes in decision-making.
  • In what ways can controlled processing enhance explicit cognition during problem-solving tasks?
    • Controlled processing enhances explicit cognition by allowing individuals to focus their attention on the task at hand and engage in systematic analysis. This type of processing is essential for complex problem-solving tasks that require careful consideration of multiple factors. By using controlled processing, individuals can evaluate options more thoroughly and make decisions based on logic rather than relying on quick, automatic responses.
  • Evaluate the role of explicit cognition in shaping social attitudes and behaviors within a community.
    • Explicit cognition plays a significant role in shaping social attitudes and behaviors by enabling individuals to critically assess their beliefs and the information presented to them. When people engage in explicit thinking, they are more likely to reflect on societal norms, question stereotypes, and reconsider biases. This reflective process can lead to positive changes in community attitudes, promoting understanding and acceptance among diverse groups. Ultimately, as individuals become more aware of their thought processes, they can contribute to a more inclusive society.