1.2

• Cognitive maps


  Our mind's representation of a certain environment, also called mental maps or mind maps
• Cognitive maps


  • Help you absorb information about your surroundings so you won't keep going in circles
  • Can sharpen the way you think
• Cognitive abilities


  The intellectual activities that allow us to think, reason, and solve problems
• Cognitive map creation experiment


  1. Rats placed in a cross-shaped maze

  2. Rats allowed to explore surroundings

  3. Food placed in different arm of maze

  4. Rats still found food, showing they had formed a cognitive map
• Cognitive maps


  • Depend on mode of travel - cognitively active (walking, driving) vs cognitively passive (being a passenger)
  • Cognitively active travelers are more accurate in describing a landscape
• Cognitive maps are not always accurate

  Brain may delete irrelevant information, miss important landmarks and streets
• How cognitive maps enhance thinking

  • Help see connections and gaps, leading to new perspectives and solutions
  • Aid in recalling information and retaining knowledge
  • Complement brainstorming by organizing ideas
  • Engage both left and right brain, capturing ideas quickly
• Cognitive maps can come in different forms like bright colors, symbols, and images to excite the imagination