Affective and cognitive processes

Affective processes relate to how our feelings and emotions influence our understanding and reactions to information. For example, if we feel excited about a topic, we may pay more attention and retain information better. Cognitive processes involve the mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and remembering—like analyzing, reasoning, and problem-solving. When learning general knowledge, both affective and cognitive processes work together: emotions can enhance interest and engagement, while cognitive skills help us to organize and make sense of what we learn. Together, they shape how we acquire and use knowledge.