3.4.7—Cognitive models
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Objective
- 3.4.7
- Level
- HL
Cognitive models explain processing by making hidden steps explicit
A cognitive model represents stages or components involved in attention, memory, reasoning or decision-making. It is valuable when it predicts an observable pattern, such as interference, capacity limits or selective recall.
The working-memory model separates a control system from specialised verbal and visuospatial processes, but those components are theoretical functions rather than literal boxes. Task design determines which prediction is tested.
Repeating a phone number while reading another number creates verbal interference, whereas a visual route may compete less with spoken digits. The result supports a processing distinction, not a complete map of the brain.
A model is not a diagnosis and a laboratory task is not the whole mind. Link each prediction to the measured behaviour and its boundary.