The University of Queensland

Thinking about possibilities: Towards a unified cognitive framework (2024–2027)

Abstract:

Thoughts about possibilities are fundamental to what makes us human. We routinely imagine what might happen in the future and reflect on how the past could have turned out differently. This psychology project aims to establish the circumstances in which children and non-human primates think about alternative possibilities, and to explain how they do it. The project expects to provide new knowledge of cognitive development and evolution, and to distinguish between simple and complex processes for thinking about possibilities. Expected benefits include progress towards a unified cognitive framework that may ultimately be leveraged to help people better reason about possibilities and bring them to fruition.

Grant type:

ARC Future Fellowships

Researchers:

• 

  Dr Jonathan Redshaw

  ARC Future Fellow
  

  School of Psychology

  Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Funded by:

Australian Research Council