Abstract
Cognitive research has found people are sometimes adept and sometimes inept at handling complexity. Complexity is a key concept in much of cognitive science, yet the field has scarcely incorporated any of the work in complexity theory. Complexity theory may generally be too abstract to easily apply to human cognition studies. Here, the problem is addressed by considering complexity through constructing a model of epistemic emergence, Cognitive-Habitat Strategy-Ecosystem, (CHSE) to act as an overarching framework into which different conceptions of complexity and cognition can be integrated, describing how they will interact to affect cognition in complex systems. This model provides value both at the micro level, by generating specific predictions, and at the macro level, through hypothesizing interactions between other cognitive theories such as cognitive load and adaptation from failure. We detail the model’s assumptions, functionality, and possible ways to measure variables.
Highlights
Cognitive studies have found conditions in which people develop surprisingly efficient strategies for handling complex situations [1], [2], and others in which people persist with suboptimal strategies [3]–[5] or fundamental misconceptions about the nature of emergent phenomena [6]–[10]
Such studies rarely utilize a definition from complexity theory, possibly because most definitions from complexity theory do not attempt to provide testable predictions about human cognition
Emergence can be a useful concept when considered a subjective phenomenon dependent on an observer. Taking this perspective is the basis for building the model we propose to describe how conceptions of complexity and cognition can interact to produce the experience of emergence within complex systems
Summary
Cognitive studies have found conditions in which people develop surprisingly efficient strategies for handling complex situations [1], [2], and others in which people persist with suboptimal strategies [3]–[5] or fundamental misconceptions about the nature of emergent phenomena [6]–[10] Such studies rarely utilize a definition from complexity theory, possibly because most definitions from complexity theory do not attempt to provide testable predictions about human cognition This study distinguishes between an emergent phenomenon and an emergent system by distinguishing between microcomplexity (encompassing traditional operational definitions of complexity), and macro-complexity (entailing proposing a new operational definition) These distinctions are used to construct an overarching framework into which various theories of complexity and cognition can be integrated, and describing how they will interact to determine how a system is experienced as emergent. General implications for cognition are discussed along with specific implications for the mechanics of adaptation and strategy switching
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