A Functional Theory of Cognition


Book Description

A unified, general theory of functional cognition is presented in this book. Its generality appears in the titles of the 13 chapters listed below. Its unity appears in the effectiveness of the same methods and concepts across all of these areas. Generality and unity both stem from the foundation axiom of purposiveness. The axiom of purposiveness has been made effective through capability for functional measurement of values, which embody the goal-directed character of purposiveness. This measurement capability is based on the general cognitive algebra established in information integration theory. Functional theory can thus be made precise and effective near the level of everyday phenomenology. The book is written at a relatively simple level, directed at readers in every field of psychology. Among its characteristics are: * self-sufficient theory near the level of everyday phenomenology; * foundation on structure of the internal world; and * solid grounding in experimental analysis.




A Functional Theory of Cognition


Book Description

A unified, general theory of functional cognition is presented in this book. Its generality appears in the titles of the 13 chapters listed below. Its unity appears in the effectiveness of the same methods and concepts across all of these areas. Generality and unity both stem from the foundation axiom of purposiveness. The axiom of purposiveness has been made effective through capability for functional measurement of values, which embody the goal-directed character of purposiveness. This measurement capability is based on the general cognitive algebra established in information integration theory. Functional theory can thus be made precise and effective near the level of everyday phenomenology. The book is written at a relatively simple level, directed at readers in every field of psychology. Among its characteristics are: * self-sufficient theory near the level of everyday phenomenology; * foundation on structure of the internal world; and * solid grounding in experimental analysis.




The Multicontext Approach to Cognitive Rehabilitation


Book Description

This text provides practical information, tools and resources for implementation of the Multicontext Approach (MC) in cognitive rehabilitation. The Multicontext approach is uniquely designed to promote and enhance cognitive strategy use, self-awareness and self-monitoring skills across everyday activities in a way that maximizes functional outcomes for people with cognitive impairments due to acquired brain injury and other health conditions. Assembled by a leading worldwide expert in cognitive rehabilitation, this is the first comprehensive volume that integrates Multicontext treatment principles, evidence and guidelines all in one place and provides "how to" information to guide clinical practice and research. Organized into 3 sections, the first part provides foundational knowledge and clinical examples of the impact of cognitive impairments on functional performance and includes tools for observing, analyzing, and interpreting cognitive performance within daily life activities. The second part provides in-depth coverage of the Multicontext approach including theoretical concepts, strategies to address different cognitive performance problems, and detailed guidelines for using a structured metacognitive framework, guided learning techniques, and structuring treatment activities along a transfer continuum to optimize generalization or carryover of learning. The final part of the book provides additional clinical scenarios and case examples to illustrate how the Multicontext approach can be tailored to meet individual needs across a wide range of clinical problems and settings as well as within interprofessional teams. This landmark publication is an essential resource for occupational therapy practitioners, students, clinical neuropsychologists, researchers, and other healthcare professionals who work within the field of cognitive rehabilitation in inpatient, outpatient or community-based settings. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, this invaluable book features an extensive appendix with a full of a range of learning exercises and reflective activities, summaries, observational tools, training guides, clinical examples, treatment forms and worksheets that can be reproduced for clinical practice to enable readers to carry out these methods with their clients. Purchasers obtain access to a Web page where they can download and print reproducible materials from appendices.




The Psychology of Learning


Book Description

An introduction to the psychology of learning that summarizes and integrates findings from both functional psychology and cognitive psychology.learning. Learning unites all living creatures, from simple microbes to complex human beings. But what is learning? And how does it work? For over a century, psychologists have considered such questions. Behavior analysts examined the ways in which the environment shapes behavior, whereas cognitive scientists have sought to understand the mental processes that enable us to learn. This book offers an introduction to the psychology of learning that draws on the key findings and major insights from both functional (behavior analysis) and cognitive approaches. After an introductory overview, the book reviews research showing how seemingly simple regularities in the environment lead to powerful changes in behavior, from habituation and classical conditioning to operant conditioning effects. It introduces the concept of complex learning and considers the idea that for verbal human beings even seemingly simple types of learning might qualify as instances of complex learning. Finally, it offers many examples of how psychological research on learning is being used to promote human well-being and alleviate such societal problems as climate change. Throughout the book, boxed text extends the discussion of selected topics and “think it through” questions help readers gain deeper understanding of what they have read. The book can be used as an introductory textbook on the psychology of learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate students or as a reference for researchers who study behavior and thinking.




How to Build a Theory in Cognitive Science


Book Description

How to Build a Theory in Cognitive Science specifies the characteristics of fruitful interdisciplinary theories in cognitive science and shows how they differ from the successful theories in the individual disciplines composing the cognitive sciences. It articulates a method for integrating the various disciplines successfully so that unified, truly interdisciplinary theories are possible. This book makes three contributions of utmost importance. First, it provides a long overdue, systematic examination of the field of cognitive science itself. Second, it provides a template for linking domains without loss of autonomy. This philosophical treatment of integration serves as a blueprint for future endeavors. Third, the book provides a solid theoretical foundation that will prevent future missteps and enhance collaboration.







Neurocognitive Mechanisms


Book Description

Gualtiero Piccinini presents a systematic and rigorous philosophical defence of the computational theory of cognition. His view posits that cognition involves neural computation within multilevel neurocognitive mechanisms, and includes novel ideas about ontology, functions, neural representation, neural computation, and consciousness.




The New Psychology of Language


Book Description

From the point of view of psychology and cognitive science, much of modern linguistics is too formal and mathematical to be of much use. The New Psychology of Language volumes broke new ground by introducing functional and cognitive approaches to language structure in terms already familiar to psychologists, thus defining the next era in the scientific study of language. The Classic Edition volumes re-introduce some of the most important cognitive and functional linguists working in the field. They include a new introduction by Michael Tomasello in which he reviews what has changed since the volumes first published and highlights the fundamental insights of the original authors. The New Psychology of Language volumes are a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how cognitive and functional linguistics has become the thriving perspective on the scientific study of language that it is today.




Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Science


Book Description

Although psychoanalytic concepts underlie most forms of psychotherapy practiced today, the basic Freudian theory of mind the metapsychology does not mesh with current scientific views in psychology and related fields. As a result, despite its many strengths, psychoanalysis has been relegated to the periphery by clinicians and researchers alike. Filling a significant void, this book from cognitive scientist and psychoanalytic researcher Wilma Bucci proposes a new model of psychological organization that integrates psychoanalytic theory with the investigation of mental processes. Solidly rooted in current cognitive science, multiple code theory recognizes the focus on meanings and motives that is intrinsic to psychoanalytic clinical work. The theory points to parallel functions underlying free association and dreams, as well as conceptual development in children and creative work in sciences and the arts, and provides a strong foundation for empirical research on the psychoanalytic treatment process.




Neural Basis of Motivational and Cognitive Control


Book Description

A multidisciplinary overview of key approaches in the study of cognitive control and decision making.