Foundations of Psychological Concepts and Theories-II

Marr’s Levels of Explanation

The Level of Computational Theory

  • Definition: Focuses on what the cognitive system does and why it does it. It addresses the goals and purposes of the cognitive functions.
  • Importance: Understanding the objectives of a cognitive system helps define its functionality and the problems it aims to solve.

The Level of Algorithm

  • Definition: Concerned with how the cognitive system achieves its tasks. It describes the specific methods and processes used to perform cognitive functions.
  • Relevance: This level explores the algorithms and processes involved, including the logical steps taken by the system.

The Level of Hardware Implementation

  • Definition: Involves the physical realization of the cognitive system, including the biological substrates (like the brain) that support cognitive processes.
  • Significance: This level is critical for understanding the mechanics and physiology that enable cognition.

Mental Representations and Processes

Mental Representations

  • Definition: Internal structures that stand for external reality, such as images, symbols, or concepts.
  • Role in Cognition: They help individuals understand, interpret, and respond to the world around them.

Mental Processes

  • Definition: The operations that manipulate mental representations, such as perception, memory, and reasoning.
  • Interaction with Representations: Mental processes utilize representations to make decisions, solve problems, and perform tasks.

Modularity Hypothesis

Overview

  • Definition: Suggests that the mind is composed of distinct, specialized modules that handle specific types of information processing.
  • Proponent: Jerry Fodor is a key figure associated with this hypothesis.

Characteristics of Modules

  • Domain-Specific: Each module is designed for a particular type of cognitive task, such as language processing or visual recognition.
  • Discrete Processes: Modules operate independently but can interact with one another when necessary.

Fodor’s Modules

Domain-Specific Nature

  • Explanation: Fodor’s modules are specialized for specific functions, which allows for efficient processing of information within those domains.
  • Examples: Modules for language acquisition, visual processing, and numerical reasoning.

Neurobiology of Nerve Impulses

Soma and Axon

  • Soma (Cell Body): The part of the neuron where the cell’s nucleus is located. It is crucial for initiating the nerve impulse.
  • Axon: The long, thin extension of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the soma to other neurons or muscles.

Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

  • Definition: A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to the destruction of myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers.
  • Symptoms: Can include fatigue, mobility issues, and problems with coordination and balance.

Thalamus as a Sensory Relay Station

Function of the Thalamus

  • Role: Acts as a hub for sensory information, processing and relaying signals from the senses (except olfactory) to the appropriate cortical areas for further interpretation.
  • Importance: Essential for integrating sensory input and maintaining a coherent perception of the environment.

Agnosia

Facial Agnosia (Prosopagnosia)

  • Definition: A form of agnosia characterized by the inability to recognize familiar faces, even though the ability to see and process faces remains intact.
  • Impact: Individuals may recognize other objects and people but struggle specifically with familiar faces.

Homunculus Map

Concept of the Homunculus

  • Definition: A visual representation of the human body, emphasizing areas that require finer motor control or sensory perception.
  • Characteristics: Body parts are represented based on their dexterity, not their physical size, leading to a distorted appearance where hands and lips are disproportionately large.

Wernicke’s Area and Wernicke’s Aphasia

Wernicke’s Area

  • Location: Situated in the left temporal lobe, associated with language comprehension.
  • Function: Critical for understanding spoken and written language.

Wernicke’s Aphasia

  • Definition: A language disorder that results from damage to Wernicke’s area, characterized by fluent but nonsensical speech and difficulty in comprehending language.
  • Cause: Damage may not be limited to Wernicke’s area alone; surrounding areas also contribute to the aphasia.