Putting the Cognitive Mediation Networks Theory to the test: Evaluation of a framework for understanding the digital age

  • Authors:

  • Bruno Campello De Souza;Alexandre Stamford Da Silva;Auristela Maria Da Silva;Antonio Roazzi;Silvania LúCia Da Silva Carrilho

  • Affiliations:

  • Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia Cognitiva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Acad. Hélio Ramos, s/n - CFCH, 8 Andar, Recife 50670-901 PE, Brazil;Programa de Pós-graduação em Economia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife - PE - CEP: 50670-901, Brazil;Centro de Informática, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Anibal Fernandes, s/n - Recife - PE - CEP:50.740-560, Brazil;Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia Cognitiva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Acad. Hélio Ramos, s/n - CFCH, 8 Andar, Recife 50670-901 PE, Brazil;Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia Cognitiva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Acad. Hélio Ramos, s/n - CFCH, 8 Andar, Recife 50670-901 PE, Brazil

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

The Cognitive Mediation Networks Theory (CMNT) is a novel approach to human intelligence that, among other things, attempts to understand the cognitive changes associated to the emergence and dissemination of information and communication technologies throughout the last few decades. The present paper aims to investigate a central claim of the model, which is that the greater interaction of individuals with the changes emanating from the Digital Revolution and its implications (Hyperculture) tends to, in and of itself, produce psychological changes that lead to enhanced Cognitive Performance. For that purpose, a total of 1291 Brazilian adults and adolescents were investigated by means of an especially prepared form and cognitive tests. The results obtained indicated that a greater degree of Hyperculture is positively associated to Cognitive Performance and Sociability, regardless of sex, age, income, and level of education. These findings, taken together with those from other studies, strongly support the predictions of the CMNT, which emerges in this paper as a valid model of human cognition, at least when applied to the impacts of the Digital Revolution.