Cognition and Consciousness on the MCAT

It’s probably to our best benefit to maximize our cognition and consciousness while we’re prepping and studying for the MCAT and especially so when we go in, sit down, and actually take the test!

Though we may not even realize it, our brains are constantly activating our cognitive and consciousness associated processes. From taking a normal route to school/work to deciding which ingredient to get in a store to taking a stressful midterm exam, we’re all engaging and activating our brain’s cognitive and conscious ability!

Hopefully, after going through this chapter overview, you’ll be more comfortable with some of the main topics in learning and memory. Let’s get started!

Cognition and Consciousness on the MCAT: What You Need to Know

Topics on language and memory will be tested on the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT and can appear both as passage based and fundamental discrete questions. 

Here at MCAT Mastery, we’ve calculated that you can expect about 3-4 questions concerning cognition and consciousness to appear on the MCAT!

Introductory psychology accounts for 65% of the content covered in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, while introductory sociology covers about 30 of the content. 

Important Sub-Topics: Cognition and Consciousness

A great way to review topics on cognition (as is the same with other topics) is to relate some of the topics to how you approach daily life — quick shoutout to the self-reference effect! You may see that some of the cognitive processes we cover might resonate with how you think on a daily basis. 

Try to also pair the review for this chapter overview with our “Learning and Memory on the MCAT” and “Language Development on the MCAT” chapter overviews as some concepts may overlap, making it easier for you to learn!

1. Theories and Influencing Factors on Cognition

Let’s first start with a basic definition of cognition before getting into discussion about the theories, different types of cognition, etc. Cognition can most simply be defined as how the brain takes in and processes of new, incoming information. 

The cognitive processing of information is just a fancy way of saying the wide variety of things we can do with that incoming information: we can analyze it, store it, use it for work, and so much more!

One theory of cognition, called the information processing model, takes inspiration from the way computers are designed and function. Proponents of this theory noted that the brain functions fairly similar to a computer: a computer receives an input, processes the input via the CPU, and sends a corresponding output. 

Similarly, the brain functions in a similar fashion: it can receive sensory information (input), process the sensory information, and engage in the appropriate response or behavior (output); however, there are still obvious differences. 

Finally, let’s delve into cognition on more of a biological level: when thinking and trying to form an association between cognition and the brain, the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex should be your first bet!

If you’ve covered our “Neurobiology on the MCAT!” chapter overview, recall that the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex is associated with higher executive function and cognition — these involve the brain’s ability to engage in abstract thinking, execute strategic planning, and much more!

2. Cognitive Approaches to Problem Solving

Whether it’s trying to simplify a certain mathematical equation or determining which football play to use given a certain defensive coverage, our cognition plays an active role in helping us solve problems and getting to a solution.

When approaching how to solve a problem, there are many different avenues and strategies we can take. We’ll go ahead and cover some of the main ones in this chapter overview — algorithms, trial and error, deductive reasoning, and inductive reasoning — and expand upon them in our in-detail article. 

While algorithms are generally a more efficient and preferred approach to problem solving, there are certain cases where it would be appropriate to use trial and error such as situations where you have no prior knowledge or background when going into a problem!

Now, let’s contrast deductive and inductive reasoning — Sherlock Holmes is known for the latter! Both are trying to come to a conclusion about something; however, they differ in the starting information given to us to make our conclusion. 

In deductive reasoning, we first start out with a general set of rules and guidelines in order to make a specific conclusion. Conversely, inductive reasoning starts with us noting very specific instances and observations and using them to draw a general conclusion.

Notice also the contrast between “where we’re going” in regards to the 2 types of reasoning: in deductive reasoning, we’re going from general to specific while inductive reasoning involves us going from specific to general.

3. Types of Intelligences

Just as there are many different types of personalities and global cuisines, we’ve also identified a variety of intelligences that influence cognition! While it’s hard to narrow in on a specific definition of intelligence, try to generally think of it as our cognitive ability to retain and apply knowledge, engage in problem-solving, and much more!

Though this theory has been criticized for its lack of other intelligences such as emotional intelligence as well as its strict categorization of intelligence into 8 groups, it’s still a great starting point!

Another way to group intelligences is to categorize them into fluid and crystallized intelligences. Fluid intelligence refers to one’s cognitive ability to think abstractly and approach problem solving from multiple angles. Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulated facts, learning, and experiences that guide further problem solving. 

To memorize the differences, think that fluid intelligence encourages “flexibility” such as abstract thinking. Conversely, try to think that facts are set in stone and “crystallized” like its respective intelligence!

4. Types of Attention

Attention refers to our cognitive ability to hone and magnify specific sensory stimuli from the numerous sensory stimulations that are coming in our way: from the sounds, sights, smells, etc. There are 2 main types of attention that come with our cognition: selective and divided.

As the name implies, selective attention is the type of attention we use when we want to focus on one specific sensory stimulus such as when talking with a friend at a party with other things going on like music, other people talking, etc. 

To use a sport example, consider a beginner basketball player trying to learn how to dribble: at first, they’re hyper focused on their kinesthetic sense and trying to master the movement of the hands and feet when dribbling the ball. 

Conversely, divided attention is our cognitive ability to multitask in regards to focusing our attention on different subjects! Going back to the basketball analogy, a professional basketball player can allocate part of their attention to dribbling the basketball; however, because they can dribble so well, they can allocate another part of their attention to surveying the floor in order to make the right pass and play!

5. States of Consciousness in Wakefulness and Sleep Cycles

Though consciousness is a pretty difficult term to put a strict definition on, it’s best to think of consciousness as an individual's ability to perceive and be aware of reality — if you wanna get into a real debate about this definition, go ahead and watch The Matrix.

States of consciousness are best studied through using the electroencephalogram (EEG); if you’ve seen or reviewed the “Neurobiology on the MCAT!” chapter overview, recall that this brain imaging technique measures the electrical activity of the brain and displays them as brain waves. 

We’ll sort brain waves into 2 main categories: 1) when we’re awake and 2) when we’re asleep. The 2 main waves that predominate when we’re awake are beta and alpha waves. Beta waves occur when we’re actively engaging in an activity while alpha waves are dominant when we’re awake but simply resting and relaxing.

As we start to doze off, we get into our first stage of sleep which is characterized by theta waves which have a less frequency than the previously mentioned waves above. Getting into stages 3 and 4 is when we enter deep sleep and is characterized by the presence of delta waves (𝜹), which even have less frequency and high voltage!

A great mnemonic device to utilize in order to remember the various waves in various stages of consciousness is BAT-D accompanied by the sentence, “BATs sleep during the Day”.

Important Definitions and Key Terms

Below are some high yield definitions and key terms to refer to when reviewing concepts and ideas about cognition and consciousness!

Additional Reading:

• Identity and Personality on the MCAT
• Language Development on the MCAT 
• Learning and Memory on the MCAT
• Motivation and Emotion on the MCAT
• Neurobiology on the MCAT
• Psychological Disorders on the MCAT
• Sensation and Perception on the MCAT
• Social Interaction on the MCAT
• Social Processes and Behavior on the MCAT
• Social Structure and Stratification on the MCAT
• Social Thinking and Attitudes on the MCAT