Final answer:
A concept is a mental construct that helps organize and interpret new information, forming the basis of cognitive processing and the development of related schemata for efficient learning and understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
A concept is a preexisting mental construct that helps us to organize and interpret new information. It functions like a 'file cabinet' in our minds, where we sort and store linguistic information, images, ideas, or memories—including life experiences—into categories. Our brains use concepts to see the relationships among the various elements of our experiences, ensuring that information remains organized and accessible. Our brain also identifies prototypes, the best representations of a concept, which are informed by semantic memory and our personal experiences.
In addition, concepts and their arrangements within semantic networks influence how we memorize and recall information. The strength of the links within these networks is based on the frequency of concept association. Ultimately, through the organization of concepts and schemata, the mind engages in a process of defining and categorizing the world around us, which is integral to learning and understanding.