The brain's tendency to streamline our thinking processes by use of preexisting knowledge is referred to as ________.
A)top-down processing
B)bottom-up processing
C)inductive reasoning
D)taxonomic construction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Top-down processing is the brain's tendency to utilize preexisting knowledge and expectations to make sense of incoming sensory information, rather than starting from scratch. This can sometimes lead to errors in perception or thinking, but overall it allows us to process information more efficiently. Bottom-up processing, in contrast, involves starting with individual sensory details and building up to a more complete understanding of the situation. Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations or examples, while taxonomic construction refers to the organization of information into categories or hierarchies based on shared features.

The Brain's Tendency to Streamline Our Thinking Processes by Use