What's the word for...?
Find that expression on the tip of your tongue
cognitive overload
A state in which the amount of information a person is required to think about exceeds their capacity, leading to confusion or forgetfulness.
Examples:
- After studying late into the night, I experienced cognitive overload and forgot how to do basic math when I took the test.
- In a busy meeting, the cognitive overload from the numerous topics discussed made me forget the simple presentation I had prepared.
brain freeze
A metaphorical expression indicating a temporary mental block or momentary lapse in recall, usually when under stress or pressure.
Examples:
- During the exam, I had a brain freeze and couldn't remember the answer to a question I had practiced a hundred times.
- It's normal to experience a brain freeze when transitioning between different tasks at work.
epistemic closure
A state in which one has closed themselves off from new information or perspectives, leading to a failure to recognize or recall simple truths or tasks.
Examples:
- He was so focused on his research that he fell into epistemic closure and started forgetting basic lab procedures.
- In discussions, epistemic closure can prevent people from remembering even the simplest points they've previously accepted.
cognitive dissonance
The mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting ideas or beliefs, which can sometimes lead to confusion or forgetfulness regarding simpler tasks.
Examples:
- Her cognitive dissonance while preparing for the job interview caused her to forget how to properly format her resume, something she'd done before.
- Experiencing cognitive dissonance during the project led the team to overlook even straightforward steps.