Cognitive Process: The Four Processes Of Social Cognition

The processes of social cognition help individuals to make well rounded, relatively objective choices in regards to ourselves and others, this includes self presentation. To fully grasp how these processes work, when it comes to meeting a new potential partner while out on the town, first we must understand the four core processes of social cognition.

The four processes of social cognition are labeled as attention, interpretation, judgement, and memory. Attention refers to the information that we, individually, choose to take in about those around us. Once information is collected through the process of paying attention, we take that information and internally process it and derive meaning from said information, this is called interpretation.

As individuals we can begin to understand and thus change (or remain the same) in the behaviors and social information that we present to those around us, this self presentation should evolve as we grow and develop in life. Meanwhile, we use the same processes to determine if those that we associate with fall into a space that fits with who we are or would like to become. With the four processes we move away from consistent use of heuristics and begin to form opinions based on the actual facts available to

As one enters the bar they may do a quick sweep of the population, determining visually where they would want to position themselves in hopes to attract a suitable partner, while also using the available information to find good lighting, proximity to a bar tender or an exit. As a person approaches and presents themselves to you, we can begin to use the four processes of social cognition paying attention to dress, scent, body language and behavior. From here we being to interpret the information and developing judgements based on what we are being provided with- this person smells nice, is wearing nice clothing and displays good grooming but they may slur their words which seems indicative to intoxication. Now, we ingrain this information into our memories; this person is likely doing okay for themselves but they are clearly intoxicated and thus not a great use of energy, because no one wants to be thrown up