MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences

An exploration of the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence human health and behavior, tailored for MCAT preparation.

Foundations of PsychologySociological Theories and ConceptsResearch Methods and Ethics
Perception, Cognition, and LanguageSocialization and IdentityPsychological Disorders and Treatments
Health Disparities and Social DeterminantsCommunication Skills in HealthcareBehavioral Change and Health Promotion
Critical Reading of MCAT PassagesAnswering Application and Reasoning QuestionsEffective Time Management on Test Day
Foundations of Psych...Sociological Theorie...Research Methods and...Perception, Cognitio...Socialization and Id...Psychological Disord...Health Disparities a...Communication Skills...Behavioral Change an...Critical Reading of ...Answering Applicatio...Effective Time Manag...
Advanced Topics

Perception, Cognition, and Language

How We Interpret, Think, and Communicate

Our brains constantly process sensory information, form thoughts, and use language to communicate.

Perception

Perception is how we organize and interpret sensory input. Factors like attention, context, and past experiences shape what we perceive.

Cognition

Cognitive processes include memory, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can influence decisions.

Language

Language enables us to convey thoughts, emotions, and knowledge. It is tied to cognitive development and social interaction.

Application to Health

Misperceptions can lead to medical errors. Effective communication is critical for patient care.

Examples

  • Doctors using clear language improves patient understanding and outcomes.

  • A person may recall false details due to memory biases.

In a Nutshell

Perception, cognition, and language shape how we process the world and interact with others.

Key Terms

Confirmation Bias
The tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's beliefs.
Schema
A mental structure that organizes knowledge and guides information processing.
Next
Socialization and Identity