Cognition: From Memory to Creativity

From memory to creativity―a complete and current presentation of the field of cognition

The process of cognition allows us to function in life; it translates inputs from the world so we can recognize the sound of the alarm clock, remember the day of the week, and decide which clothes to wear.

Cognition: From Memory to Creativity provides readers with a clear, research-based, and well-illustrated presentation of the field, starting with memory―the most accessible starting point―to more complex functions and research in information processing. Authors Robert Weisberg and Lauretta Reeves include the newest neurological findings that help us understand the human processes that allow for cognition.

Unique in its organization, Cognition incorporates both classical and modern research and provides demonstration experiments for students to conduct with simple materials.

Cognition explores:

• Models of memory and memory systems
• Encoding and retrieval
• Forgetting vs. false memory
• Visual cognition
• Attention and imagery
• Sounds, words, and meaning
• Logical thinking and decision making
• Problem solving and creative thinking

ROBERT W. WEISBERG, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Cluster in the Psychology Department at Temple University. A cognitive psychologist, Dr. Weisberg's area of interest is creative thinking, the cognitive processes involved in the intentional production of novelty: solutions to problems, works of art, scientific theories, and inventions.

LAURETTA M. REEVES, PhD, teaches at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests span both cognitive psychology―including the development of expertise in mathematical problem solving, use of metaphor in literature, and cognitive development―and the lexical acquisition and role of animacy in categorical inference in children.