[Page 718]Cognition can be defined as the following: (a) how the mind produces intelligent thought, (b) the acquisition of knowledge, (c) the study of knowledge, (d) the behavior associated with performing cognitive tasks, or (e) the mental abilities that humans use to navigate the world. A partial list of the processes that make up cognition are forms of long- and short-term memory, attention, categorization, text comprehension, problem solving, creativity, language, and decision making.

Inclusive coverage of the methods for assessing processes of cognition is not achievable in an abbreviated format such as this. Accordingly, this entry restricts coverage to three areas that frequently come to the attention of various professional practitioners: (1) attention, (2) memory, and (3) executive function.