Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning pp 626–628Cite as

Cognitive-Economy Assumptions for Learning

  • Reference work entry

  • 659 Accesses

Synonyms

Representational assumptions

Definition

Cognitive economy refers to the combined simplicity and relevance of a categorization scheme or knowledge representation.

Representational assumptions are the built-in biases of a representation that give sensitivity to certain features of the world instead of others.

Cognitive-economy assumptions for learning are those representational assumptions that allow a cognitive agent to focus on details that matter, while avoiding the distraction of irrelevant features.

Theoretical Background

Cognitive agents categorize their perceptions in order to avoid overwhelming their bounded cognitive resources with the vast sea of stimuli presented to their senses. The goal is to “provide maximum information with the least cognitive effort,” “conserving finite resources as much as possible” (Rosch 1978, p. 28). This common sense idea has informed our understanding of human perception, learning, and reasoning.

Human perception appears to be categorized...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   3,400.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   2,999.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Berlin, B., & Kay, P. (1969). Basic color terms. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Groot, A. D. (1965). Thought and choice in chess. The Hague: Mouton & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harnad, S. (1987). Introduction: Psychophysical and cognitive aspects of categorical perception: A critical overview. In S. Harnad (Ed.), Categorical perception (pp. 1–25). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rescher, N. (1989). Cognitive economy: The economic dimension of the theory of knowledge. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosch, E. (1978). Principles of categorization. In E. Rosch & B. B. Lloyd (Eds.), Cognition and categorization (pp. 27–48). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, H. A. (1957). Models of man: social and rational. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werker, J. F., & Tees, R. C. (1984). Cross-language speech perception: Evidence for perceptual reorganization during the first year of life. Infant Behavior and Development, 7, 49–63.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boeing Research & Technology, The Boeing Company, P.O. Box 3707, MC 7L-66, Seattle, WA, 98124–2207, USA

    Dr. David J. Finton (Advanced Computing Technologist)

Authors
  1. Dr. David J. Finton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David J. Finton .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Education, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    Norbert M. Seel

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

Finton, D.J. (2012). Cognitive-Economy Assumptions for Learning. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_565

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_565

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1427-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1428-6

  • eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation