/* * Human Cognitive Thinking Patterns * ================================= * * This cheatsheet outlines various cognitive thinking patterns observed in human cognition, * represented through TypeScript code analogies. The patterns covered include: * * 1. Association and Memory Retrieval * 2. Decision Making and Problem Solving * 3. Emotional Processing * 4. Attention and Focus * 5. Learning and Adaptation * 6. Creativity and Imagination * 7. Social Cognition * 8. Metacognition * * Each pattern is explained in detail, including its purpose, pros and cons, and related patterns. * Code examples are provided to illustrate the conceptual representation of these thinking processes. */ // Basic types and interfaces used throughout the examples type Emotion = 'happy' | 'sad' | 'angry' | 'fearful' | 'disgusted' | 'surprised'; type Stimulus = any; type Memory = any; type Thought = any; type Action = any; type Belief = any; type Skill = any; interface Brain { processStimulus(stimulus: Stimulus): void; retrieveMemory(cue: any): Memory | null; makeDecision(options: any[]): any; learn(experience: any): void; focus(target: any): void; imagine(concept: any): Thought; reflect(): void; } /* * 1. Association and Memory Retrieval * =================================== * * This pattern represents how humans associate ideas and retrieve memories based on cues. * It's fundamental to many cognitive processes, including learning and problem-solving. * * Pros: * - Enables quick recall of relevant information * - Facilitates learning through connection of new and existing knowledge * - Supports creative thinking by linking seemingly unrelated concepts * * Cons: * - Can lead to biased thinking if associations are overly rigid * - May result in false memories or incorrect recall * - Can be influenced by emotional states, potentially distorting recall * * Related Patterns: * - Closely linked to Learning and Adaptation * - Supports Decision Making and Problem Solving * - Influences Creativity and Imagination */ class AssociativeMemory { private memories: Map<string, Memory> = new Map(); // Store a new memory with associated keywords storeMemory(memory: Memory, keywords: string[]): void { keywords.forEach(keyword => { if (!this.memories.has(keyword)) { this.memories.set(keyword, []); } this.memories.get(keyword)!.push(memory); }); } // Retrieve memories based on a cue (keyword) retrieveMemories(cue: string): Memory[] { return this.memories.get(cue) || []; } // Associate two concepts by linking their keywords associate(concept1: string, concept2: string): void { const memories1 = this.retrieveMemories(concept1); const memories2 = this.retrieveMemories(concept2); // Cross-associate memories memories1.forEach(memory => this.storeMemory(memory, [concept2])); memories2.forEach(memory => this.storeMemory(memory, [concept1])); } } // Example usage const associativeMemory = new AssociativeMemory(); // Storing memories associativeMemory.storeMemory("The sky is blue", ["sky", "blue", "color"]); associativeMemory.storeMemory("The ocean is blue", ["ocean", "blue", "water"]); // Retrieving memories console.log(associativeMemory.retrieveMemories("blue")); // Output: ["The sky is blue", "The ocean is blue"] // Associating concepts associativeMemory.associate("sky", "ocean"); /* * 2. Decision Making and Problem Solving * ====================================== * * This pattern represents how humans make decisions and solve problems by evaluating * options, considering consequences, and applying heuristics or algorithms. * * Pros: * - Enables navigation of complex situations * - Supports goal-directed behavior * - Can be optimized through experience and learning * * Cons: * - Susceptible to cognitive biases * - May be influenced by emotional states * - Can be computationally expensive for complex problems * * Related Patterns: * - Utilizes Association and Memory Retrieval for accessing relevant information * - Influenced by Emotional Processing * - Can be improved through Metacognition */ class DecisionMaker { private goals: string[] = []; private beliefs: Map<string, number> = new Map(); // Belief strength from 0 to 1 constructor(private brain: Brain) {} // Add a goal to the decision-maker addGoal(goal: string): void { this.goals.push(goal); } // Update a belief and its strength updateBelief(belief: string, strength: number): void { this.beliefs.set(belief, Math.max(0, Math.min(1, strength))); } // Make a decision based on current goals, beliefs, and available options makeDecision(options: Action[]): Action { const scoredOptions = options.map(option => ({ option, score: this.evaluateOption(option) })); // Sort options by score in descending order scoredOptions.sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score); return scoredOptions[0].option; } private evaluateOption(option: Action): number { let score = 0; // Evaluate how well the option aligns with current goals this.goals.forEach(goal => { const alignment = this.assessAlignment(option, goal); score += alignment; }); // Factor in beliefs this.beliefs.forEach((strength, belief) => { const relevance = this.assessRelevance(option, belief); score += strength * relevance; }); // Retrieve relevant memories to inform the decision const relevantMemories = this.brain.retrieveMemory(option); if (relevantMemories) { score += this.evaluateMemories(relevantMemories); } return score; } private assessAlignment(option: Action, goal: string): number { // Implementation of assessing how well an option aligns with a goal // This would involve complex logic based on the nature of the goal and option return Math.random(); // Placeholder implementation } private assessRelevance(option: Action, belief: string): number { // Implementation of assessing how relevant a belief is to an option // This would involve analyzing the relationship between the belief and the option return Math.random(); // Placeholder implementation } private evaluateMemories(memories: Memory): number { // Implementation of evaluating memories to inform the decision // This would involve analyzing past experiences related to the current decision return Math.random(); // Placeholder implementation } } // Example usage const brain: Brain = { // ... implementation of Brain interface methods } as Brain; const decisionMaker = new DecisionMaker(brain); decisionMaker.addGoal("Stay healthy"); decisionMaker.updateBelief("Exercise is good", 0.9); decisionMaker.updateBelief("Junk food is bad", 0.8); const options: Action[] = [ "Go for a run", "Watch TV", "Eat a salad", "Order fast food" ]; const decision = decisionMaker.makeDecision(options); console.log("Decided action:", decision); /* * 3. Emotional Processing * ======================= * * This pattern represents how humans process and respond to emotions, which play a * crucial role in decision-making, memory formation, and social interactions. * * Pros: * - Provides rapid assessment of situations * - Enhances memory formation and recall * - Facilitates social bonding and communication * * Cons: * - Can lead to irrational decision-making if unchecked * - May cause cognitive biases * - Can be difficult to regulate in some individuals * * Related Patterns: * - Influences Decision Making and Problem Solving * - Affects Association and Memory Retrieval * - Plays a role in Social Cognition */ class EmotionalProcessor { private currentEmotion: Emotion | null = null; private emotionalMemories: Map<Emotion, Memory[]> = new Map(); // Process a stimulus and generate an emotional response processStimulus(stimulus: Stimulus): Emotion { const emotion = this.evaluateStimulus(stimulus); this.currentEmotion = emotion; this.storeEmotionalMemory(stimulus, emotion); return emotion; } // Regulate the current emotional state regulateEmotion(desiredIntensity: number): void { if (this.currentEmotion) { // Implementation of emotion regulation techniques // This could involve cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness, etc. console.log(`Regulating ${this.currentEmotion} to intensity ${desiredIntensity}`); } } // Retrieve memories associated with a specific emotion retrieveEmotionalMemories(emotion: Emotion): Memory[] { return this.emotionalMemories.get(emotion) || []; } private evaluateStimulus(stimulus: Stimulus): Emotion { // Complex logic to evaluate the emotional significance of a stimulus // This would involve assessing various aspects of the stimulus and context return ['happy', 'sad', 'angry', 'fearful', 'disgusted', 'surprised'][Math.floor(Math.random() * 6)] as Emotion; } private storeEmotionalMemory(stimulus: Stimulus, emotion: Emotion): void { if (!this.emotionalMemories.has(emotion)) { this.emotionalMemories.set(emotion, []); } this.emotionalMemories.get(emotion)!.push(stimulus); } } // Example usage const emotionalProcessor = new EmotionalProcessor(); const stimulus = "Received a promotion at work"; const emotion = emotionalProcessor.processStimulus(stimulus); console.log(`Emotional response to "${stimulus}": ${emotion}`); emotionalProcessor.regulateEmotion(0.5); const happyMemories = emotionalProcessor.retrieveEmotionalMemories('happy'); console.log("Happy memories:", happyMemories); /* * 4. Attention and Focus * ====================== * * This pattern represents how humans direct and maintain attention on specific * stimuli or tasks, filtering out irrelevant information. * * Pros: * - Allows for deep concentration on important tasks * - Enhances information processing and learning * - Helps in achieving goals by prioritizing relevant stimuli * * Cons: * - Limited capacity; can lead to overlooking important information * - Susceptible to distractions and interruptions * - Can be depleted over time, leading to mental fatigue * * Related Patterns: * - Supports Learning and Adaptation by focusing on relevant information * - Influences Decision Making and Problem Solving by directing cognitive resources * - Can be improved through Metacognition */ class AttentionManager { private focusTarget: any | null = null; private distractions: any[] = []; private attentionSpan: number = 100; // Arbitrary units // Focus attention on a specific target focus(target: any): void { this.focusTarget = target; console.log(`Focusing on: ${target}`); } // Process incoming stimuli, filtering based on current focus processStimulus(stimulus: Stimulus): void { if (this.isRelevantToFocus(stimulus)) { this.attendToStimulus(stimulus); } else { this.distractions.push(stimulus); } } // Shift focus to a new target shiftFocus(newTarget: any): void { console.log(`Shifting focus from ${this.focusTarget} to ${newTarget}`); this.focus(newTarget); } // Attempt to resist a distraction resistDistraction(distraction: any): boolean { const resistanceStrength = this.calculateResistanceStrength(); const distractionStrength = this.evaluateDistractionStrength(distraction); if (resistanceStrength > distractionStrength) { console.log(`Successfully resisted distraction: ${distraction}`); return true; } else { console.log(`Failed to resist distraction: ${distraction}`); this.shiftFocus(distraction); return false; } } private isRelevantToFocus(stimulus: Stimulus): boolean { // Implementation to determine if a stimulus is relevant to the current focus // This would involve comparing properties of the stimulus to the focus target return Math.random() > 0.5; // Placeholder implementation } private attendToStimulus(stimulus: Stimulus): void { // Process the attended stimulus console.log(`Attending to stimulus: ${stimulus}`); this.attentionSpan -= 10; // Decrease attention span as we process stimuli } private calculateResistanceStrength(): number { // Calculate the current strength of focus based on various factors return this.attentionSpan * Math.random(); } private evaluateDistractionStrength(distraction: any): number { // Evaluate how strong or compelling a distraction is return Math.random() * 100; } } // Example usage const attentionManager = new AttentionManager(); attentionManager.focus("Reading a book"); attentionManager.processStimulus("Words on the page"); attentionManager.processStimulus("Phone notification"); attentionManager.resistDistraction("Loud noise outside"); /* * 5. Learning and Adaptation * ========================== * * This pattern represents how humans acquire new knowledge, skills, and behaviors * through experience and adapt to changing environments. * * Pros: * - Enables continuous improvement and growth * - Allows for adaptation to new situations and environments * - Enhances problem-solving abilities over time * * Cons: * - Can be slow and require significant effort * - May lead to overlearning or overfitting to specific contexts * - Can be influenced by biases and misconceptions * * Related Patterns: * - Utilizes Association and Memory Retrieval for integrating new information * - Influences Decision Making and Problem Solving by improving knowledge and skills * - Can be enhanced through Metacognition */ class LearningSystem { private knowledge: Map<string, any> = new Map(); private skills: Map<string, number> = new Map(); // Skill levels from 0 to 1 // Learn new information or update existing knowledge learnKnowledge(concept: string, information: any): void { if (this.knowledge.has(concept)) { this.integrateNewInformation(concept, information); } else { this.knowledge.set(concept, information); } console.log(`Learned about: ${concept}`); } // Practice a skill to improve proficiency practiceSkill(skill: string, duration: number): void { const currentLevel = this.skills.get(skill) || 0; const improvement = this.calculateImprovement(currentLevel, duration); this.skills.set(skill, Math.min(1, currentLevel + improvement)); console.log(`Practiced ${skill}. New level: ${this.skills.get(skill)}`); } // Apply learned knowledge and skills to a new situation applyLearning(situation: any): any { const relevantKnowledge = this.retrieveRelevantKnowledge(situation); const applicableSkills = this.identifyApplicableSkills(situation); // Combine knowledge and skills to generate a response const response = this.synthesizeResponse(relevantKnowledge, applicableSkills); // Learn from the application this.reflectOnApplication(situation, response); return response; } private integrateNewInformation(concept: string, newInfo: any): void { const existingInfo = this.knowledge.get(concept); // Complex logic to merge existing and new information, resolving conflicts this.knowledge.set(concept, { ...existingInfo, ...newInfo }); } private calculateImprovement(currentLevel: number, duration: number): number { // Implementation of a learning curve algorithm // This could factor in current level, practice duration, and other variables return Math.min(1 - currentLevel, duration * 0.01 * (1 - currentLevel)); } private retrieveRelevantKnowledge(situation: any): any[] { // Implementation to identify and retrieve knowledge relevant to the situation return Array.from(this.knowledge.entries()) .filter(([concept, _]) => this.isRelevantToConcept(situation, concept)) .map(([_, info]) => info); } private identifyApplicableSkills(situation: any): [string, number][] { // Implementation to identify skills applicable to the situation return Array.from(this.skills.entries()) .filter(([skill, _]) => this.isSkillApplicable(situation, skill)); } private synthesizeResponse(knowledge: any[], skills: [string, number][]): any { // Complex logic to combine knowledge and skills into a response // This would involve weighing different factors and making decisions return { knowledge, skills }; // Placeholder implementation } private reflectOnApplication(situation: any, response: any): void { // Implementation to learn from the application of knowledge and skills // This could involve updating knowledge or adjusting skill levels console.log(`Reflected on application to situation: ${JSON.stringify(situation)}`); } private isRelevantToConcept(situation: any, concept: string): boolean { // Implementation to determine if a concept is relevant to a situation return Math.random() > 0.5; // Placeholder implementation } private isSkillApplicable(situation: any, skill: string): boolean { // Implementation to determine if a skill is applicable to a situation return Math.random() > 0.5; // Placeholder implementation } } // Example usage const learningSystem = new LearningSystem(); learningSystem.learnKnowledge("Python", { syntax: "...", paradigm: "Object-oriented" }); learningSystem.practiceSkill("Coding", 2); const codingProblem = { type: "Algorithm", difficulty: "Medium" }; const solution = learningSystem.applyLearning(codingProblem); console.log("Solution:", solution); /* * 6. Creativity and Imagination * ============================= * * This pattern represents how humans generate novel ideas, combine concepts in unique ways, * and imagine hypothetical scenarios. * * Pros: * - Enables problem-solving through novel approaches * - Supports innovation and artistic expression * - Allows for mental simulation of future scenarios * * Cons: * - Can lead to impractical or unrealistic ideas if unchecked * - May be limited by existing knowledge and experiences * - Can be influenced by biases and preconceptions * * Related Patterns: * - Utilizes Association and Memory Retrieval for combining existing concepts * - Supports Decision Making and Problem Solving by generating alternative solutions * - Can be enhanced through Learning and Adaptation */ class CreativeEngine { private concepts: Set<string> = new Set(); private associations: Map<string, Set<string>> = new Map(); // Add a new concept to the creative engine addConcept(concept: string): void { this.concepts.add(concept); } // Create an association between two concepts associate(concept1: string, concept2: string): void { if (!this.associations.has(concept1)) { this.associations.set(concept1, new Set()); } if (!this.associations.has(concept2)) { this.associations.set(concept2, new Set()); } this.associations.get(concept1)!.add(concept2); this.associations.get(concept2)!.add(concept1); } // Generate a new idea by combining existing concepts generateIdea(): string { const conceptArray = Array.from(this.concepts); const concept1 = conceptArray[Math.floor(Math.random() * conceptArray.length)]; const concept2 = conceptArray[Math.floor(Math.random() * conceptArray.length)]; return this.combineConceptsCreatively(concept1, concept2); } // Imagine a hypothetical scenario imagineScenario(baseContext: string): string { const relatedConcepts = this.getRelatedConcepts(baseContext); return this.constructScenario(baseContext, relatedConcepts); } private combineConceptsCreatively(concept1: string, concept2: string): string { // Implementation of creative combination of concepts // This could involve analyzing properties, functions, or metaphorical relationships return `A ${concept1} that ${concept2}s`; // Simplified example } private getRelatedConcepts(concept: string): string[] { return Array.from(this.associations.get(concept) || []); } private constructScenario(baseContext: string, relatedConcepts: string[]): string { // Implementation to construct a hypothetical scenario // This would involve weaving together the base context and related concepts const randomConcept = relatedConcepts[Math.floor(Math.random() * relatedConcepts.length)]; return `Imagine a world where ${baseContext} is influenced by ${randomConcept}...`; } } // Example usage const creativeEngine = new CreativeEngine(); creativeEngine.addConcept("tree"); creativeEngine.addConcept("computer"); creativeEngine.addConcept("music"); creativeEngine.associate("tree", "computer"); creativeEngine.associate("computer", "music"); const newIdea = creativeEngine.generateIdea(); console.log("New idea:", newIdea); const scenario = creativeEngine.imagineScenario("technology"); console.log("Imagined scenario:", scenario); /* * 7. Social Cognition * =================== * * This pattern represents how humans understand and interact with others, including * theory of mind, empathy, and social norm processing. * * Pros: * - Enables effective communication and collaboration * - Supports prediction of others' behaviors and intentions * - Facilitates social bonding and group cohesion * * Cons: * - Can lead to biases and stereotyping * - May be inaccurate due to misinterpretation of social cues * - Can be cognitively demanding in complex social situations * * Related Patterns: * - Influenced by Emotional Processing * - Utilizes Theory of Mind (a specific aspect of social cognition) * - Supports Decision Making in social contexts */ class SocialCognitionModule { private socialNorms: Map<string, (action: string) => boolean> = new Map(); private relationships: Map<string, number> = new Map(); // Relationship strength from -1 to 1 // Interpret social cues from another person interpretSocialCues(person: string, cues: string[]): Map<string, string> { const interpretations = new Map<string, string>(); cues.forEach(cue => { const interpretation = this.analyzeCue(cue, person); interpretations.set(cue, interpretation); }); return interpretations; } // Predict another person's behavior or intention predictBehavior(person: string, context: string): string { const relationshipStrength = this.relationships.get(person) || 0; const possibleBehaviors = this.generatePossibleBehaviors(context); return this.selectMostLikelyBehavior(possibleBehaviors, relationshipStrength); } // Update relationship status with another person updateRelationship(person: string, event: string): void { const currentStrength = this.relationships.get(person) || 0; const impact = this.evaluateEventImpact(event); this.relationships.set(person, Math.max(-1, Math.min(1, currentStrength + impact))); } // Add or update a social norm defineSocialNorm(context: string, normChecker: (action: string) => boolean): void { this.socialNorms.set(context, normChecker); } // Check if an action adheres to social norms checkSocialNorm(context: string, action: string): boolean { const normChecker = this.socialNorms.get(context); return normChecker ? normChecker(action) : true; // Assume adherence if norm not defined } private analyzeCue(cue: string, person: string): string { // Implementation of cue analysis based on type of cue and relationship with person return `${person} might be feeling ${['happy', 'sad', 'angry'][Math.floor(Math.random() * 3)]}`; } private generatePossibleBehaviors(context: string): string[] { // Implementation to generate possible behaviors based on the context return ["help", "ignore", "confront", "collaborate"]; } private selectMostLikelyBehavior(behaviors: string[], relationshipStrength: number): string { // Implementation to select behavior based on relationship strength and other factors return behaviors[Math.floor(Math.random() * behaviors.length)]; } private evaluateEventImpact(event: string): number { // Implementation to evaluate the impact of an event on a relationship return Math.random() * 0.2 - 0.1; // Random impact between -0.1 and 0.1 } } // Example usage const socialCognition = new SocialCognitionModule(); socialCognition.defineSocialNorm("greeting", (action) => action.includes("hello") || action.includes("hi")); const cueInterpretations = socialCognition.interpretSocialCues("Alice", ["smile", "crossed arms"]); console.log("Cue interpretations:", cueInterpretations); const predictedBehavior = socialCognition.predictBehavior("Bob", "group project"); console.log("Predicted behavior:", predictedBehavior); socialCognition.updateRelationship("Charlie", "helped with moving"); const isNormAdherent = socialCognition.checkSocialNorm("greeting", "Hello, how are you?"); console.log("Adheres to greeting norm:", isNormAdherent); /* * 8. Metacognition * ================ * * This pattern represents how humans think about their own thinking processes, * including self-reflection, cognitive monitoring, and strategy selection. * * Pros: * - Enhances learning and problem-solving through self-awareness * - Supports better decision-making by evaluating thought processes * - Facilitates personal growth and cognitive development * * Cons: * - Can lead to overthinking or analysis paralysis * - May be inaccurate due to biases in self-perception * - Requires cognitive resources that could be used for primary tasks * * Related Patterns: * - Influences all other cognitive patterns through monitoring and regulation * - Particularly important for Learning and Adaptation * - Supports Decision Making and Problem Solving by evaluating strategies */ class MetacognitionModule { private cognitiveStrategies: Map<string, () => void> = new Map(); private performanceHistory: Map<string, number[]> = new Map(); // Monitor current cognitive performance monitorPerformance(task: string, performanceMetric: number): void { if (!this.performanceHistory.has(task)) { this.performanceHistory.set(task, []); } this.performanceHistory.get(task)!.push(performanceMetric); this.evaluatePerformance(task); } // Reflect on thought processes reflect(): string[] { const insights = []; for (const [task, metrics] of this.performanceHistory.entries()) { const averagePerformance = metrics.reduce((a, b) => a + b, 0) / metrics.length; insights.push(`Average performance on ${task}: ${averagePerformance.toFixed(2)}`); } return insights; } // Add or update a cognitive strategy defineStrategy(name: string, strategy: () => void): void { this.cognitiveStrategies.set(name, strategy); } // Select and apply an appropriate cognitive strategy applyStrategy(task: string): void { const strategy = this.selectBestStrategy(task); if (strategy) { console.log(`Applying strategy ${strategy} for task: ${task}`); this.cognitiveStrategies.get(strategy)!(); } else { console.log(`No suitable strategy found for task: ${task}`); } } private evaluatePerformance(task: string): void { const metrics = this.performanceHistory.get(task)!; if (metrics.length > 1) { const recentPerformance = metrics[metrics.length - 1]; const previousPerformance = metrics[metrics.length - 2]; if (recentPerformance < previousPerformance) { console.log(`Performance on ${task} has decreased. Consider changing strategy.`); } } } private selectBestStrategy(task: string): string | null { // Implementation to select the best strategy based on task and past performance // This could involve analyzing the performance history and characteristics of the task const strategies = Array.from(this.cognitiveStrategies.keys()); return strategies.length > 0 ? strategies[Math.floor(Math.random() * strategies.length)] : null; } } // Example usage const metacognition = new MetacognitionModule(); metacognition.defineStrategy("visualization", () => { console.log("Applying visualization strategy"); }); metacognition.defineStrategy("verbalization", () => { console.log("Applying verbalization strategy"); }); metacognition.monitorPerformance("problem-solving", 0.7); metacognition.monitorPerformance("problem-solving", 0.8); metacognition.applyStrategy("problem-solving"); const reflections = metacognition.reflect(); console.log("Reflections:", reflections);