Distributed cognition, representation, and affordance

This article describes a representation-based framework of distributed cognition. This framework considers distributed cognition as a cognitive system whose structures and processes are distributed between internal and external representations, across a group of individuals, and across space and time. The major issue for distributed research, under this framework, are the distribution, transformation, and propagation of information across the components of the distributed cognitive system and how they affect the performance of the system as a whole. To demonstrate the value of this representation-based approach, the framework was used to describe and explain an important, challenging, and controversial issue — the concept of affordance.

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How Far we Can Go Without Looking Under the Skin: The Bounds of Cognitive Science

Studies in Logic, Grammar and Rhetoric ◽

10.1515/slgr-2015-0005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 91-109

Author(s):

Łukasz Afeltowicz ◽

Witold Wachowski

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Science ◽

Empirical Evidence ◽

Distributed Cognition ◽

Extended Mind ◽

Cognitive System ◽

Human Cognition ◽

External Representations

Abstract The aim of this paper is to discuss the concept of distributed cognition (DCog) in the context of classic questions posed by mainstream cognitive science. We support our remarks by appealing to empirical evidence from the fields of cognitive science and ethnography. Particular attention is paid to the structure and functioning of a cognitive system, as well as its external representations. We analyze the problem of how far we can push the study of human cognition without taking into account what is underneath an individual’s skin. In light of our discussion, a distinction between DCog and the extended mind becomes important.

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Benefits of External Representations in Service Design: A Distributed Cognition Perspective

The Design Journal ◽

10.2752/175630614x13982745782849 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 331-346 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Johan Blomkvist ◽

Fabian Segelström

Keyword(s):

Distributed Cognition ◽

Service Design ◽

External Representations

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Overcoming Post-War Traumas and Confl icts through Dialogue in Distributed Cognition

Journal for Perspectives of Economic Political and Social Integration ◽

10.1515/pepsi-2017-0001 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (1-2) ◽

pp. 15-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Augustine Banka

Keyword(s):

Distributed Cognition ◽

Information Dissemination ◽

Cognitive Mapping ◽

Cognitive System ◽

Life Space ◽

Cognitive Component ◽

Self Image ◽

Constant State ◽

Post War ◽

Life Path

Abstract The following paper presents a proposal of a theoretical foundation for an application of distributed cognition in overcoming post-war traumas and related social conflicts. The distributed cognition theory states that the cognitive system is a structure distributed between internal-mental and external-objective social world representations across time and space. The basic issue of dialogue in distributed cognition is that distribution as information dissemination in each cognitive component functions in a systemic integrity. The presented perspective of overcoming traumas and war conflicts through dialogue refers to the following aspects of human activity: 1 - the perception of an environment as a construct of own life path and self-image; 2 - active creation of a desired world, life space and desired self; 3 - agentic cognitive mapping of an environment as a real, virtual and potential life space; 4 - a way of elastic control over an environment through discovering objectively present environmental affordances; 5 - achieving agency through discovering possibilities for action rather than barriers; 6 - making the cognitive system more flexible through a change in style of thinking to a constant state of openness to new meanings and values.

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Representations and Robustly Collective Attitudes

10.1093/oso/9780198801764.003.0004 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jeroen de Ridder

Keyword(s):

Distributed Cognition ◽

Extended Mind ◽

Controversial Issue ◽

Cognitive States ◽

Group Knowledge ◽

Group Belief ◽

Collective Representations ◽

Collective Belief ◽

Natural Way

One argument against the existence of robustly collective cognitive states such as group belief and group knowledge is that there are no collective representations, i.e., representations held by groups rather than individuals. Since belief requires representation, so the argument goes, there can be no collective belief. This chapter replies to that argument. First, the chapter scrutinizes the assumption that belief requires representation and points out that it is in fact a substantive and controversial issue whether belief indeed requires representation and, if it does, how so. Secondly, the chapter argues that even if we grant the above assumption, the argument can be resisted, since there is a natural way to make sense of collective representations. By drawing on the ideas of the extended mind and distributed cognition hypotheses, this chapter outlines how we can conceive of collective representations and thereby undermine the argument against group cognitive states.

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Gestural Facilitation in Treatment of Apraxia of Speech

Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders ◽

10.1044/nnsld20.3.94 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 94-98

Author(s):

Anastasia M. Raymer ◽

Beth McHose ◽

Kimberly Graham

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Review Literature ◽

Cognitive System ◽

Apraxia Of Speech ◽

Recent Systematic Review ◽

Training Paradigm ◽

Limb Apraxia ◽

Speech Treatment ◽

Verbal Production

Purpose: Luria (1970) proposed the use of intersystemic reorganization to use an intact system to facilitate improvements in a damaged cognitive system. In this article, we review literature examining the effects of gesture as a modality to promote reorganization to improve verbal production in apraxia of speech and anomia. Methods: A gestural facilitation training paradigm is described and results of a recent systematic review of apraxia of speech treatment are reviewed. The interplay between apraxia of speech and anomia are considered in response to gestural facilitation training. Results & Conclusions: Gestural facilitation effects are strongest in individuals with moderate apraxia of speech. Several factors appear to mitigate the effects of gestural facilitation for verbal production, including severe apraxia of speech and semantic anomia. Severe limb apraxia, which often accompanies severe apraxia of speech, appears to be amenable to gestural treatment, providing improvements in gesture use for communication when verbal production gains are not evident.

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