Understanding Cognitive Functions and Behavior

Types of Behavior

Aggressive Behavior

Individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior use violence, which can be verbal (e.g., yelling, insults), physical (e.g., threatening posture, personal attack), or psychological (e.g., contempt, indifference).

Passive/Inhibited Behavior

Passive or inhibited behavior involves prioritizing others' needs and interests over one's own. This can lead to avoiding confrontations and discussions to maintain status and affection within a group.

Assertive Behavior

Assertive behavior is rooted in respect for oneself and others. It involves expressing thoughts and feelings openly, upholding one's rights while respecting the rights of others.

Cognitive Functions

Cognitive functions are the processes through which individuals acquire, process, store, transform, and retrieve information from their environment.

Perception

Perception is the function that enables a person to receive, interpret, and process information from their surroundings through the senses.

Perception vs. Sensation

Sensation is the immediate experience generated by a single stimulus—the sensory organ's response to a stimulus. Perception is the interpretation of these sensations, giving them meaning.

Characteristics of Perception

• Subjectivity: Each person reacts differently to the same stimulus.
• Selectivity: Due to subjectivity, individuals select and focus on the most meaningful stimuli.
• Relativity: Perception depends on the context; the same stimulus can be perceived differently in different situations.
• Experience Dependence: Perception is influenced by the quantity and quality of past experiences.

Gestalt Psychology of Form

Gestalt psychology focuses on the concept of "form" or "shape."

• Law of Prägnanz (Good Form)
• Law of Similarity
• Law of Continuity
• Law of Figure-Ground