What Are Cognitive Processes:

Definition, Types and Uses

July 1, 2021
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By: Indeed Editorial Team

Thinking, feeling and imagining are all processes that some people may take for
granted, as we can only see the world through our own eyes. In reality, cognitive
processes allow us to create cultures, societies, friends and occupations, many
important aspects of human life. Learning about cognitive processes can help expose
their ever-present nature throughout every moment of our lives. In this article, we
discuss the definition of cognitive processes, list the processes and their uses and
examples of them.

What are cognitive processes?

Cognitive processes are a series of chemical and electrical signals that occur in the
brain that allow you to comprehend your environment and gain knowledge. Neurons
release chemicals that create electrical signals in nearby neurons, creating a mass of
signals that are then translated into conscious and unconscious thoughts. Conscious
interpretation of your five senses, procedural knowledge and emotional reactions are all
examples of cognition.

Types of cognitive processes

Here are some common types of cognitive processes that humans often display:

Attention

Focusing on stimuli in your environment often requires conscious effort. For example, in
order to stay focused on a flying bird, you may consciously watch the bird with your
eyes, tracking and predicting its movements. It is also possible to focus your attention
unconsciously while performing some activities, such as watching your favorite TV show
or listening to music.

Thought

Thoughts are any cognitive process that occurs within your conscious mind, but you do
not say out loud or express through any physical manifestation. Humans can produce
complex thoughts using our "inner voice," expressing thoughts using verbalized
language that exists only within our brains. Decision-making, problem-solving and
deductive and inductive reasoning are all examples of thoughts.

Perception

Human perception occurs through the five senses: sight, taste, smell, sound and touch.
Perceptions are a cognitive process because we often consciously and unconsciously
interpret information gained through our perceptions, forming thoughts, opinions and
emotional reactions. For instance, the smell of a particular flower may remind you of a
specific person and bring back a pleasant memory.

Memory

You automatically store information that you perceive in your short-term memory, and
much of that information eventually becomes long-term memory. Forming, storing and
recalling memories allows humans to display much of their intelligence and are key
components of cognition. For example, you may remember your own birthday without
thinking about it, but memorizing someone else's birthday may take some mental effort.

Related: 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory

Language

People can learn languages much more easily earlier in life through the use of fluid
intelligence. Fluid intelligence is the ability to learn new knowledge quickly and
crystallized intelligence is the ability to recall and use learned knowledge. As we get
older, fluid intelligence decreases and crystallized intelligence increases. For example,
the use of extensive vocabulary is a cognitive process enabled by crystallized
intelligence.