Cognition in Situations

Abstract

The symbolic interactionist tradition can contribute to advancing sociological studies of cognition by setting dual process models on more solid ground. I draw on Blumer's epistemological statements and the interactionist tradition more broadly to consider how dual process models of cognition could be applied to naturally occurring situations. I suggest that attending to the ways the past and the future are handled and modified within social interaction provides a usable inroad for the sociology of cognition to engage with situational analysis. I identify “resonance” and “iterative reprocessing” as concepts that are suitable to this end.

Dueling with Dual-Process Models: Cognition, Creativity, and Context

“…Much like in everyday interactions, improvisers must manage multiple (often clashing) temporalities and toggle back and forth between automatic and deliberate processes to meet the demands and expectations of the situation (Danna-Lynch 2007, 2010; Price 2020; Tavory and Eliasoph 2013). Because some improv imperatives are in conflict and require different cognitive processes and temporal orientations, improvisers are often caught between thinking fast or thinking ahead.…”