Cognition

Cognition is a complex mental process whereby an individual gains knowledge and understanding of the world. While cognition cannot be neatly dissected into constitutive processes, psychologists point out that it reveals the interplay of such critical psychological mechanisms as perception, attention, memory, imagery, verbal function, judgment, problem-solving, decision-making, with the admixture of other factors, including physical health, educational background, socio-economic status, and cultural identity. A dynamic process, since both the world and the individual are subject to change, cognition is a vital function which enables an individual to exist in the world as an independent and active participant.