Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Cognitive science has become a topic of widespread discussion in Indonesia following the appointment of Professor Stella Christie as the country’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MendiktiSaintek) on Monday, October 21, 2024. Her selection has generated significant public attention due to her outstanding academic achievements at a young age and her expertise in cognitive science.
Prior to her new role in the Indonesian government, Christie served as a professor in the Department of Psychology at Tsinghua University in China, where she earned recognition for her expertise in cognitive science.
But what is cognitive science and what does it study?
What Is Cognitive Science?
Cognitive science is the study of how the human mind comprehends, processes information, learns, and makes decisions. The term “cognitive” refers to various mental functions, including perception, problem-solving, learning, decision-making, language use, and emotional experiences.
Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field, which integrates multiple disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.
The field emerged in the mid-1950s, as researchers in various fields began developing theories of the mind. By the 1970s, the Cognitive Science Society was founded, and many universities worldwide established cognitive science as a formal field of study.
Areas of Study in Cognitive Science
Cognitive science delves into various aspects of human thought and behavior, including perception through the senses and memory. It explores how individuals acquire, store, and use information. Researchers in the field often focus on problem-solving and decision-making, investigating how people analyze situations and select options based on available information.
Language is another critical area of study in cognitive science, as it is one of the most complex human abilities. Scholars examine the relationship between language structure, language processing, and the neural foundations of language.
Cognitive science also plays a foundational role in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, helping advance our understanding of how machines can replicate human thinking and decision-making processes.
Stella Christie’s Research and Contributions
Stella Christie has long been a prominent figure in cognitive science, with numerous contributions to the understanding of human intelligence. One of her most notable research projects focuses on how humans learn and think, using an interdisciplinary approach that blends studies on humans, animals, and AI. With the central question driving her research is, “Why are we smart?”
Stella Christie Career and Wealth, From Academia to Indonesia’s Deputy Minister
In an academic paper published by Tsinghua University, Christie explained her hypothesis: “I believe we are intelligent because we think relationally. From understanding words like ‘mother’ and ‘bigger’ to performing mathematical operations and reading maps, knowing relationships is essential.”
Her research aims to map out fundamental aspects of relational thinking across three primary areas:
- Initial conditions: What are the basic relationships humans and other animals possess?
- Learning tools: How do we learn to become relational thinkers?
- Social cognition: How do we acquire and process complex social relationships?
Through behavioral data from both human children and great apes, her lab has uncovered intriguing similarities and differences between human relational cognition and that of other animals. Christie’s ultimate goal is to understand how early cognitive conditions interact with learning tools, such as language and comparison processes, to produce intelligent thought.
Stella Christie Role as Deputy Minister
Stella Christie appointment as Deputy Minister aligns with the vision of President Prabowo, who aims to enhance Indonesia’s education quality and bolster its science and technology sector. Christie’s background in cognitive science and her commitment to innovation are expected to bring fresh perspectives to Indonesia’s education system, fostering scientific advancement and technological development.
As Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Christie is anticipated to introduce innovative teaching methods that support Prabowo’s broader mission of empowering the nation through education and research. Her expertise is seen as critical in advancing Indonesia’s goal of becoming a self-reliant, innovation-driven country.
(Raidi/Agung)
