Cognitive Science Terms

noun A concept or theory of 'wholeness' or 'unity' in psychology, often used to describe the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

• The concept of gestalt psychology emphasizes the importance of considering the whole rather than just the sum of its parts.
• I like how the gestalt of the room comes together with all the different decorations.
• The gestalt of the situation is pretty messed up, if you ask me.
• She has a unique way of looking at things, always seeing the gestalt of a situation rather than just the details.

noun a mental state that exists before conscious awareness

adjective relating to or existing in the mind before conscious awareness

• The preconscious mind is responsible for storing information that is readily available for recall.
• Sometimes our preconscious thoughts can influence our actions without us even realizing it.
• I swear, my preconscious mind is always looking out for me, like a silent guardian.
• His preconscious desires bubbled to the surface in the form of vivid dreams.

adjective relating to or involving telepathy, the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses.

• The researchers conducted a study on telepathic communication between twins.
• I swear we have a telepathic connection because we always finish each other's sentences.
• My best friend and I are so telepathic, we can practically read each other's minds.
• Their chemistry on stage was so strong, it was almost telepathic.