How to Become an Amateur Cognitive Scientist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Interested in delving into cognitive science without the need for advanced degrees? Becoming an amateur cognitive scientist is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. This article will guide you through the journey, from initial interest to advanced knowledge, helping you explore this fascinating field on your own.

Discovering Your Interest: Start Simple and Gradually Delve Deeper

Reading like you’ve never read before means approaching any new material with a fresh perspective. While this might seem overwhelming at first, the key is not to tackle everything head-on. Start by exploring various introductory books that explain concepts using accessible language. These books often introduce you to the basics in a way that doesn’t require a deep academic background.

Once you have a solid understanding of the foundational concepts, consider tackling academic books that delve deeper into specific areas. These texts often contain studies and experiments, making them a bit more challenging. However, they still remain accessible to those without a strong background in the field. For an even greater challenge, you can move on to scientific articles. These pieces can be quite dense and require a deeper understanding of the subject matter, but they provide the most current and detailed insights into the field.

Exploring Further: Online Resources and Professional Databases

In addition to books, there are many online resources available to facilitate your learning. Consider starting with YouTube channels and science blogs that cover recent discoveries using simpler language. These resources can provide you with up-to-date information and a more engaging learning experience.

When it comes to staying at the cutting edge of cognitive science, there are several professional databases and journals you can explore. The PubMed medical database is a great place to begin. To make your research more focused, change the search settings to “full free text” and type in any neuroscience-related words. The articles you find will provide a wealth of knowledge and insights directly from the experts in the field.

Essential Background Knowledge: Biology, Math, and Programming

While it is possible to start with a broad interest in cognitive science and then focus on specific areas, there are a few foundational subjects that are highly recommended. Biology, as a critical component that underpins so many aspects of cognitive science, should be one of your priorities. Additionally, a strong background in math and statistics is essential, as cognitive science heavily relies on both descriptive and inferential statistics. Learning programming can also be incredibly beneficial, as it allows you to conduct data analysis and create models that can help you understand cognitive processes better.

Further Reading and Resources

For those looking to dive deeper, two recommended resources stand out. First, the Neuroscience Journals offer a wide range of academic articles and research papers that can provide valuable insights into the latest findings in cognitive science. Second, the Invitation to Cognitive Science series, though not the most up-to-date, can be a great starting point to build a foundation in the field. Another excellent textbook to consider is Bermudez’s textbook on Cognitive Neuroscience. Both of these resources can help you build a strong foundation in the field and feel more confident in your understanding of cognitive science.

Ultimately, the journey of becoming an amateur cognitive scientist is one of continuous learning and exploration. With a solid foundation of knowledge and a passion for the subject, you can delve into the fascinating world of cognitive science and uncover the secrets of the human mind.