Grounded Cognition
2007/08/17 by Lawrence W. Barsalou · 5,535 citations
Neuroscience · Psychology · #Action (physics) #Action Observation and Synchronization #Amodal perception #Artificial intelligence #Child and Animal Learning Development #Cognition #Cognitive psychology #Cognitive science #Computer science #Grounded theory #Introspection #Language, Metaphor, and Cognition #Metacognition #Motor cognition #Neuroscience #Perception #Psychology #Qualitative research #Situated #Situated cognition #Social cognition #Theory of mind
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.59.103006.093639
published in Annual Review of Psychology 59(1), 617-645 (Annual Reviews)
openalex publication_date 2007/08/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
Abstract
Grounded cognition rejects traditional views that cognition is computation on amodal symbols in a modular system, independent of the brain's modal systems for perception, action, and introspection. Instead, grounded cognition proposes that modal simulations, bodily states, and situated action underlie cognition. Accumulating behavioral and neural evidence supporting this view is reviewed from research on perception, memory, knowledge, language, thought, social cognition, and development. Theories of grounded cognition are also reviewed, as are origins of the area and common misperceptions of it. Theoretical, empirical, and methodological issues are raised whose future treatment is likely to affect the growth and impact of grounded cognition.
Citations
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