Mental Representation
Mental representations are internal cognitive symbols that represent objects, ideas, or experiences.
Overview
They allow the brain to simulate and understand the external world. Representations are central to cognitive science.
Key Insight
Mental representations mediate between perception and action.
Scientific Status
Core concept in cognitive science and neuroscience.
How Researchers Study It
Behavioural experiments, neuroimaging, and computational modelling.
Quick Facts
- Field
- cognitive science
- Related Concepts
- perception, memory
- Typical Context
- cognition research
Related Terms
FAQ
Are mental representations like pictures in the head?
They are often described as symbolic or computational; the exact format is debated.