Final answer:
Cognition is the subject of this question. It refers to the higher mental functions such as problem solving and thinking. Cognition involves processes associated with perception, knowledge, judgment, language, and memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognition is the subject of this question. Cognition refers to the higher mental functions such as problem solving and thinking. It involves processes associated with perception, knowledge, judgment, language, and memory. Cognition is a complex and ongoing process that our brains constantly engage in, even though we are not always aware of it.
The brain's energy usage is optimized by natural evolutionary pressures, favoring the use of heuristics or mental shortcuts that allow us to process information quickly, although sometimes inaccurately. In contrast, deliberative thinking, such as solving a mathematical problem, requires much more energy and conscious effort. Understanding these cognitive processes and development stages is essential for both psychological theory and practical application.