Cognitive Maps

Cognitive Maps

  February 17, 2021    Beema Saif

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Introduction

            The idea of cognitive map originates from the work of the psychologist Edward Tolman, who is famous for his studies of how rats learned to navigate mazes. In psychology, it has a strong spatial connotation- cognitive maps usually refer to the representation of a space (e.g., a maze) in the brain. Cognitive maps have since been used in a range of fields; Colin Eden, an operations researcher, used the term in a broader sense to refer to a mental model representation of any type of process or concept (whether spatial or not). 

        Cognitive maps can be defined as mental images and concepts that are built to visualize and assimilate information. They are also referred to as mental maps, mind maps, schemata, and frames of reference. They act as tools for strategists to move beyond the constraints of short-term memory and to process information spanning long periods of time. The mind creates spatial concepts in order to make sense of incoming information.

Advantages

• The process organizes complex information into manageable portions.
•  It simplifies knowledge, increases memory, and improves cognition where cognition is understood to be the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired, including perception, intuition, and reasoning.
• As a fundamental mental process, it acts as a coping mechanism under conditions of uncertainty.
•  It is also essential in environments where strategic decisions are made in rapidly shifting economic environments.
• The method is applied equally effectively for nonvisual tasks, such as memorizing lists, code, names, and other textual information.

Preparation of Cognitive Map

Topic Selected: 

The number of cognitive map selected is two based on two topics from Geography and Philosophy textbooks of plus one. 

1.    Geography As A Discipline
This topic was chose from the Geography textbook of plus one. It introduces Geography as an independent subject. This topic covers the fundamental aspects of Geography as a discipline. It includes the origin of the discipline, nature, relationship with other disciplines, branches of Geography, classification of Geography based on Systematic approach and regional approach, etc. This topic also deals with the questions such as what is Geography and why should we study Geography.

2.    Introducing Logic

   This topic was chosen from the Philosophy textbook of plus one. It introduces Philosophy, logic and reasoning.  The topic discusses the fundamental aspects of the discipline Philosophy including the origin, epistemology, definition, important philosophers, etc. Moreover it explains the main branches of Philosophy- Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Axiology, the development of Logic, the categories of Thinking, the laws of thought, and the relationship of logic with other sciences are also included under this topic. 

Method Adopted: 

There are a number of strategies to create cognitive maps including free drawing. The use of mobile application was the strategy followed here. Among many apps, "MiMind App" has been installed to create cognitive maps.

• Main Points Included:

The cognitive maps were developed based on two different topics from different subjects. Each topic was dealing with the fundamental aspects of those disciplines. The main points included in the topic 1, Geography As A Discipline, are the branches of Geography based on systematic approach and regional approach; and the interrelation of Geography between other disciplines. The main points included in the topic 2, Introducing Logic, are the meaning and definition of Philosophy, interrelation between Philosophy and other disciplines, logic, laws of thought, utility of logic and interrelation between Logic and other sciences.

Cognitive Maps

To find the cognitive maps please click the links below:

1. Cognitive Map: XI Philosophy: U1: Introducing Logic 

2. Cognitive Map: XI Geography: U1 Geography As A Discipline

Conclusion:

Cognitive map, as a visual representation of Knowldge, is a good teaching aid for the teachers. With the help of cognitive map, it was easier to arrange learning material based on the relationship between ideas, concepts, and different branches of information. It will help students synthesize and interate information, ideas and concepts. All learners benefit from this study material, especially visual learners can grasp it faster. Students can understand the link between different information which enhances their ability to recall it with accuracy.