Contents I. Introduction chapter I. Cognitive aspects of grammar

CHAPTER II. What are cognitive processes?
2.1. Types of cognitive processes.

Cognitive processes are a series of chemical and electrical signals that occur in the brain that allow you to comprehend your environment and gain knowledge. Neurons release chemicals that create electrical signals in nearby neurons, building a mass of signals that are then translated into conscious and unconscious thoughts. Conscious interpretation of your five senses, procedural knowledge and emotional reactions are all examples of cognition.

Types of cognitive processes.
Here are some common types of cognitive processes that humans often display:
Attention
Focusing on stimuli in your environment often requires conscious effort. For example, to stay focused on a flying bird, you may consciously watch the bird with your eyes, tracking and predicting its movements. It is also possible to focus your attention unconsciously while performing some activities, such as watching your favorite TV show or listening to music.
Thought
Thoughts are any cognitive process that occurs within your conscious mind, but you do not say out loud or express through any physical manifestation. Humans can produce complex thoughts using our "inner voice," expressing thoughts using verbalized language that exists only within our brains. Decision-making, problem-solving and deductive and inductive reasoning are all examples of thoughts.
Perception
Human perception occurs through the five senses: sight, taste, smell, sound and touch. Perceptions are a cognitive process because we often consciously and unconsciously interpret information gained through our perceptions, forming thoughts, opinions and emotional reactions. For instance, the smell of a particular flower may remind you of a specific person and bring back a pleasant memory.
Memory
You automatically store information that you perceive in your short-term memory, and much of that information eventually becomes long-term memory. Forming, storing and recalling memories allow humans to display much of their intelligence and are critical components of cognition. For example, you may remember your birthday without thinking about it, but memorizing someone else's birthday may take some mental effort.
Language
People can learn languages much more easily earlier in life through fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence is the ability to learn new knowledge quickly and crystallized intelligence is the ability to recall and use learned knowledge. As we get older, fluid intelligence decreases and crystallized intelligence increases. For example, extensive vocabulary is a cognitive process enabled by crystallized intelligence.