PSYC 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Michael Shermer, Pattern Recognition, Ib Diploma Programme
Document Summary
Patterns provide us with knowledge and understanding of the world. We apply patterns to our everyday lives for efficiency. When a formula or pattern is created, it is expected to be the most efficient and quickest way to get the answer. When patterns are applied, we create cause and effect relationships. We use patterns knowing the future result or outcome. Without patterns, new fragments of knowledge would be created and relearnt everyday. Society would not be able to move ahead with developing knowledge. A world with no patterns, would result in a world of randomness (ridgway, 2011). We need reasons and answers, to either prevent the same outcome in the future or to further research into the outcome. In a sense, it has become a pattern to look for patterns. When meaning is applied to patterns, humans learn and adapt them, therefore being able to make future predictions.