cognitive structures

Cognitive structures are the organized frameworks in our mind that help us interpret and understand the world. They include concepts, beliefs, and mental models that we use to make sense of new information based on what we already know. For example, your understanding of what a "dog" is includes its features and behaviors, allowing you to recognize or categorize new dogs quickly. These structures shape how we perceive, remember, and respond to experiences, making learning efficient by connecting new information to existing knowledge.