Cognitive aspects of tool use
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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment
Published on: June 1, 2015
1Electronic, Electrical & Computer Engineering, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK. c.baber@bham.ac.uk
Abstract:
Tool use has traditionally been viewed as primarily a physical activity, with little consideration given to the cognitive aspects that might be involved. In this paper, a new approach to considering tool use in terms of Forms of Engagement is presented and discussed. This approach combines notions of schema from cognitive psychology with the idea of task-specific devices to explain psychomotor aspects of using tools. From the perspective of Forms of Engagement, various aspects of craftwork and skilled tool use are considered.
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