Comprehension

Comprehension is the ability to understand (e.g. in reading).

In the language used at this site, comprehension is the ability to translate a data stream (e.g. speech) into abstract models residing in memory. At the time of forming, activating or retrieving the model, it has a form of a concept map in the brain. The map associates all the necessary subcomponents of the model (all of which form concepts).

High degree of comprehension for a given stream is a reflection of intelligence and prior knowledge. The concept of comprehension is essential for understanding the fundamental design error of coercive schooling. The brain is rewarded for forming models, and penalized for failing to meaningfully process the data stream. At school, the penalties coming from the system are stronger than the penalties of poor comprehension (see: decoding failure penalty). This results in mindless cramming. In the long run, this also leads to learned helplessness in learning and in life in general.

See also:

• Semantic learning
• Asemantic learning
• Semantic brain
• Semantic distance
• Mnemonic anchor
• Memory coherence
• Memory consistency
• Knowledge applicability
• Abstract knowledge
• Jigsaw puzzle metaphor

This glossary entry is used to explain texts in SuperMemo Guru series on memory, learning, creativity, and problem solving