2 answers
Anthony
Student
Daly City, California
2
Questions
Updated
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Is studying cognitive functions difficult?
How can I study cognitive science so I can understand better how the human brain helps us in our every day lives? #science #research
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2 answers
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
219
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I'm a neurodiverse individual, and although it's not my real field, I have a bit of an interest in cognitive science to better understand myself and my own condition. I did study a little cognitive science and psychology at school, and although I've never followed it particularly far, I observed a key point that presents difficulties to some people - that's the way the field sits oddly between the sciences and the humanities, and needs skills from both areas.
Psychology has often been seen as an "easy" subject, particularly at high-school level, but I think many with mainly a humanities background struggle later on as the subject becomes a more scientifically and statistically rigorous.
On the other hand, for me of a scientific background, I found the vagueness and impreciseness of certain concepts hard to justify with my analytical mind. I think generally where it's branded as cognitive science, it tends to be better on that front than where branded as psychology, but there is still always an element of overlap into more fuzzy topics reliant on interpretation and opinion rather than definitive data; and that's something I find difficult.
Psychology has often been seen as an "easy" subject, particularly at high-school level, but I think many with mainly a humanities background struggle later on as the subject becomes a more scientifically and statistically rigorous.
On the other hand, for me of a scientific background, I found the vagueness and impreciseness of certain concepts hard to justify with my analytical mind. I think generally where it's branded as cognitive science, it tends to be better on that front than where branded as psychology, but there is still always an element of overlap into more fuzzy topics reliant on interpretation and opinion rather than definitive data; and that's something I find difficult.
Vivian Han
Undergraduate Researcher
15
Answers
Santa Barbara, California
Updated
Vivian’s Answer
Hi Anthony! Any study associated with neurology is difficult however there are many different courses related to the study of the brain. I took a couple of psychology courses before and it seems to be an easier way to study the human brain. If you want to get specific with cognitive function, I definitely say you should go for it as it is a topic that you are passionate in and want to learn more about. You should also consult your advisor about how to go about this as I am sure that they would be able to offer you more detail with what courses to take and how to go about studying this topic! Good luck!!