symbolic process

1. in cognitive psychology, any cognitive activity in which ideas, images, or other mental representations serve as mediators of thought. The term is often used to distinguish the higher mental processes from either (a) lower cognitive functions, such as perception, or (b) neurophysiological activities that underlie processing at the symbolic level. See also symbolic thinking; thinking.

2. in classical psychoanalytic theory, see symbolization.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

psychic

1. adj. denoting phenomena associated with the mind. Ivan Pavlov referred to conditioned responses as “psychic reflexes” because the idea of the physical stimulus evoked the reflexive response.

2. adj. denoting a class of phenomena, such as telepathy and clairvoyance, that appear to defy scientific explanation. The term is also applied to any putative powers, forces, or faculties associated with such phenomena. See psi.

3. n. a medium, sensitive, or other person with alleged paranormal abilities.