Abstract
In the terms of cognitive abilities, the highest species is humans. However, human cognitive capacity is not unlimited. Internal and external resources are used to complete cognitive tasks. The concept of cognitive offloading refers to the methods used to increase cognitive performance. This study aims to bring this concept into Turkish psychology literature by presenting a general framework about the concept of cognitive offloading, which can be considered as new. Studies show that cognitive offloading is frequently used by humans. Evaluations made by metacognitive processes decide when to cognitive offloading. However, evaluations made by metacognitive processes are not always accurate. Cognitive limitations are sometimes exaggerated and cognitive offloading is used even if it is not needed. Although cognitive offloading causes increased performance, it also makes us susceptible to various performance failures such as false memory. Current studies have led up for many studies to get better understanding humans’ cognitive processes. Further studies on this subject will enable the understanding of human cognition and the use of this ability more effectively.
Keywords
cognitive offloading, intention offloading, metacognition, cognitive capacity, cognitive load