1
Lecture notes summary
Human Mind in the Digital
World
2023/2024
880672-M-6
Including: All the lectures summarized. All definitions explained (sometimes by other
scientific sources than the lectures), lots of examples given, important models added.
Table of contents
Week 1: Course introduction and Information processing theory..........................................................3
Introduction........................................................................................................................................3
Information processing theory...........................................................................................................3
Week 2: Perception................................................................................................................................8
Sensory processing and perception....................................................................................................8
, 2
Individual differences in perception...................................................................................................9
Aesthetics in design............................................................................................................................9
Week 3: Attention and Cognitive Control.............................................................................................10
Attention...........................................................................................................................................10
Cognitive control...............................................................................................................................12
Media multitasking & task-switching................................................................................................12
Self control........................................................................................................................................13
Week 4: Motivation + Learning & Memory...........................................................................................14
Motivation........................................................................................................................................14
Learning............................................................................................................................................15
Memory............................................................................................................................................19
, 3
Week 1: Course introduction and Information processing
theory
Introduction
Learning goals
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Name, describe, and apply knowledge of relevant cognitive functions in human-
media interaction, and understand new media use on the basis of these cognitive
functions.
• Understand how new media use and specific design features can affect the
human mind.
• Critically assess the quality and validity of theory and research on the interplay
between new media and cognition.
• Demonstrate conceptualization, argumentation, and urgency in writing an
academic (opinion) essay on a topic related to cognitive functions that are
relevant for human-media interaction.
• Demonstrate presentation skills and discussion moderation about a content
paper relevant to the course’s topics.
Human Mind in the Digital World
Core focus interaction of COGNITION and NEW MEDIA.
- On the one hand: How does new media use impact cognitive function?
- On the other hand: How can we use principles form cognitive science to
inform new media design?
Information processing theory
History first: the idea that people react to a response. Example: Classical
conditioning (Pavlov) dog learns that food is associated to the bell (stimulus).
After a while, when you ring the bell it already start drooling.
But: measuring only observable behaviors and events, not much attention for the
brain itself.
Nowadays we see the brain not just as a simple passive conductor of
information, but actively processing and also predicting information.
Informati on processing theory
(Simplistic but) common model of human cognition.
Two important definitions:
Lecture notes summary
Human Mind in the Digital
World
2023/2024
880672-M-6
Including: All the lectures summarized. All definitions explained (sometimes by other
scientific sources than the lectures), lots of examples given, important models added.
Table of contents
Week 1: Course introduction and Information processing theory..........................................................3
Introduction........................................................................................................................................3
Information processing theory...........................................................................................................3
Week 2: Perception................................................................................................................................8
Sensory processing and perception....................................................................................................8
, 2
Individual differences in perception...................................................................................................9
Aesthetics in design............................................................................................................................9
Week 3: Attention and Cognitive Control.............................................................................................10
Attention...........................................................................................................................................10
Cognitive control...............................................................................................................................12
Media multitasking & task-switching................................................................................................12
Self control........................................................................................................................................13
Week 4: Motivation + Learning & Memory...........................................................................................14
Motivation........................................................................................................................................14
Learning............................................................................................................................................15
Memory............................................................................................................................................19
, 3
Week 1: Course introduction and Information processing
theory
Introduction
Learning goals
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Name, describe, and apply knowledge of relevant cognitive functions in human-
media interaction, and understand new media use on the basis of these cognitive
functions.
• Understand how new media use and specific design features can affect the
human mind.
• Critically assess the quality and validity of theory and research on the interplay
between new media and cognition.
• Demonstrate conceptualization, argumentation, and urgency in writing an
academic (opinion) essay on a topic related to cognitive functions that are
relevant for human-media interaction.
• Demonstrate presentation skills and discussion moderation about a content
paper relevant to the course’s topics.
Human Mind in the Digital World
Core focus interaction of COGNITION and NEW MEDIA.
- On the one hand: How does new media use impact cognitive function?
- On the other hand: How can we use principles form cognitive science to
inform new media design?
Information processing theory
History first: the idea that people react to a response. Example: Classical
conditioning (Pavlov) dog learns that food is associated to the bell (stimulus).
After a while, when you ring the bell it already start drooling.
But: measuring only observable behaviors and events, not much attention for the
brain itself.
Nowadays we see the brain not just as a simple passive conductor of
information, but actively processing and also predicting information.
Informati on processing theory
(Simplistic but) common model of human cognition.
Two important definitions:
