Human Cognitive Capacities & Limitations

Robert Gray

Course 4 presents an overview of cognitive capacities and limitations. You will distinguish between different types of attention, compare and contrast different types of memory, identify the most common strategies and heuristics humans use for decision making and problem solving.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Building upon the knowledge gained from Course 3, we now delve into the cognitive aspects of human factors in Course 4: Cognitive Capacities & Limitations. Throughout this course, we will explore different types of attention, memory, decision-making strategies, and problem-solving techniques. By understanding the limitations in attentional capacity and decision-making strategies, we can gain insights into how they contribute to human error. This knowledge will empower us to design systems and interfaces that accommodate these cognitive limitations and optimize human performance.

Course Introduction

Module 1: Motor Control

In this module, we will discuss the field of motor control, exploring how we control our movements and the various constraints that shape our actions. Through this module, we will uncover the characteristics of movement solutions and gain insights into the intricate processes involved in motor control.

Module 2: Human Memory and Attention

In this module, we shift our focus to human memory and attention. Understanding how our memory works and how we allocate our attention is crucial for designing effective interfaces and optimizing human performance. We explore the concept of attention, the different types of attention, and their role in information processing. We also delve into the complexities of human memory, including its various stages, encoding processes, and factors that influence memory retrieval. Lastly, we examine the traditional model of skill acquisition, shedding light on how individuals acquire and refine their skills over time.

Module 3: Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

In Module 3, we explore the cognitive processes and factors that influence our decision-making abilities. From understanding how decisions are made to exploring the role of heuristics and biases, this module provides valuable insights into the human mind and its approach to problem-solving. Additionally, we discussed the concept of creativity and how it contributes to innovative problem-solving techniques.

Module 4: Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition

In this module, we will discuss motor learning and skill acquisition. By the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the traditional and ecological approaches to skill acquisition and the research findings that contribute to our knowledge of motor learning and skill development.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Human Cognitive Capacities & Limitations with these activities:

Review the basics of motor control

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Refreshing your knowledge of motor control will help you build a stronger foundation for understanding the role of attention and memory in movement.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Review your notes or textbook chapters on motor control.
Complete any practice problems or exercises related to motor control.

Follow tutorials on different types of attention

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Completing these tutorials will enhance your understanding of the various types of attention and their role in cognitive processes.

Browse courses on Attention

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Search for tutorials on different types of attention, such as selective attention and divided attention.
Follow the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own experiences and observations.

Read 'Working Memory Capacity' by Cowan

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Reading this book will provide you with a solid foundation in the nature and limitations of working memory, which is essential for understanding the cognitive processes covered in Course 4.

View Working Memory Capacity (Essays in Cognitive... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of the key concepts of working memory.
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
Apply the concepts to your own experiences and observations.

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Complete exercises on decision-making strategies

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Engaging in these exercises will strengthen your ability to identify and apply effective decision-making strategies.

Browse courses on Decision-Making

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Find practice exercises on decision-making strategies, such as those involving heuristics and biases.
Complete the exercises and analyze your results.
Identify areas where you can improve your decision-making skills.

Join a study group to discuss problem-solving techniques

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Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Find a study group that focuses on problem-solving techniques.
Attend the study group sessions regularly.
Actively participate in discussions and share your insights.

Develop a presentation on the limitations of human memory

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Creating this presentation will deepen your understanding of the limitations of human memory and its implications for human factors.

Browse courses on Memory

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Research the different types of memory limitations, such as forgetting, misremembering, and interference.
Organize your findings into a logical flow.
Create visual aids to illustrate your points.
Practice delivering your presentation.

Volunteer to assist with cognitive assessments

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Volunteering in this capacity will provide you with practical experience in observing and assessing cognitive functioning.

Browse courses on Human Factors

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Contact local organizations or research institutions that conduct cognitive assessments.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and express your interest.
Complete any necessary training or orientation.
Assist with administering and scoring cognitive assessments under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Build a prototype of a system that addresses cognitive limitations

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Undertaking this project will provide you with hands-on experience in applying your knowledge of cognitive limitations to design solutions that optimize human performance.

Browse courses on Human Factors

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Identify a specific cognitive limitation that you want to address.
Design a system or interface that compensates for or minimizes the impact of that limitation.
Build and test your prototype.
Iterate on your design based on feedback and testing results.