Cognitive Processes

Abstract

Cognition includes basic mental processes such as sensation, attention, and perception. Cognition also includes complex mental operations such as memory, learning, language use, problem solving, decision making, reasoning, and intelligence. Cognitive aging researchers have found age differences in both basic and complex cognition, but the degree of these differences depends on what aspect of cognition is being examined. While mental or cognitive processes control behavior, they are inferred from observations of behavior. Cognitive aging researchers have used various techniques or paradigms to make these inferences. Experimental techniques are used with hypotheses to examine causal relationships. Differential techniques are used to study individual differences in cognition and to look for relationships among cognitive processes. Contextual approaches are used to understand the relationship of cognition to everyday activities. In addition to cross‐sectional studies, change is measured within participants in longitudinal designs. Neuroscience techniques are used to determine the relationship between the brain and cognition.