Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary scientific study of the mind and its various processes. It examines what cognition is, what it does and how it works. Cognition refers to seeing, attending, remembering and solving problems. Cognitive science consists of disciplines like psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, neuroscience, sociology and education to name but a few. Understanding how the mind works is important since it can give insight on how to improve its workings and how to cure maladies that afflict the mind. Therefore at its very bare minimum Cognitive science involves itself in the study of what it means to be a human being.Cognitive science as such has been used to device innovative techniques for improving memory and solving mental problems. Since the brain is central to this study here are a few facts that you need to know concerning your brain. Your brain is always awake even when you are asleep. It is your brain that actually sees and not your eyes and that the average human brain is made up of 100 billion cells and it weighs 3 pounds. Cognitive science is also involved with the study and use of mental games in a bid to improve your memory. These games improve the fitness of the brain keeping it in tip top condition.
Some of these games and exercises that are beneficial to the brain include learning a new language, learning how to play a musical instrument, using your non-dominant hand for writing and eating and learning a new word every day. Some of the great mysteries that engage Cognitive science researchers are the stuff that dreams are made of, the importance of sleep and the key influencer of the biological clock. Another interesting area of research is in the area of phantom feelings; this is the phenomenon in which amputees, 80% of them, claim to have sentient feelings on the limbs that have already been amputated.
Other interesting areas of research include the process of creating memories, why we laugh, why we age, what makes us conscious and whether we are a product of nature or nurture. Cognitive science also studies the effect of nutrition on brain function, since diet is considered fundamental to how the mind functions. Some of the foods that are thought to improve brain function include lycopene found in tomatoes which regenerates brain cells. Omega 3 which is found in fish helps maintain a healthy nervous system and iodine improves mental clarity.
Regular brain training exercise as well as vitamins are also known to have a beneficial effect on brain function. Vitamins B12, B6, found in whole grains improve memory, Vitamin C improves mental agility and Vitamin K improves cognitive function. The discipline of Cognitive science is also interested in studying the causes of memory loss and how to mitigate its effects. And here a few interesting facts about your brain for you to ponder about; it generates 25 watts of power a day and though it makes up only 2% of your body it uses 20% of your body’s weight; therefore use it well.
Some of these games and exercises that are beneficial to the brain include learning a new language, learning how to play a musical instrument, using your non-dominant hand for writing and eating and learning a new word every day. Some of the great mysteries that engage Cognitive science researchers are the stuff that dreams are made of, the importance of sleep and the key influencer of the biological clock. Another interesting area of research is in the area of phantom feelings; this is the phenomenon in which amputees, 80% of them, claim to have sentient feelings on the limbs that have already been amputated.
Other interesting areas of research include the process of creating memories, why we laugh, why we age, what makes us conscious and whether we are a product of nature or nurture. Cognitive science also studies the effect of nutrition on brain function, since diet is considered fundamental to how the mind functions. Some of the foods that are thought to improve brain function include lycopene found in tomatoes which regenerates brain cells. Omega 3 which is found in fish helps maintain a healthy nervous system and iodine improves mental clarity.
Regular brain training exercise as well as vitamins are also known to have a beneficial effect on brain function. Vitamins B12, B6, found in whole grains improve memory, Vitamin C improves mental agility and Vitamin K improves cognitive function. The discipline of Cognitive science is also interested in studying the causes of memory loss and how to mitigate its effects. And here a few interesting facts about your brain for you to ponder about; it generates 25 watts of power a day and though it makes up only 2% of your body it uses 20% of your body’s weight; therefore use it well.
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