Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:27
Using Eye Movements Recorded in the Visual World Paradigm to Explore the Online Processing of Spoken Language
Published on: October 13, 2018
What proverb understanding reveals about how people think
Psychological Bulletin
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Understanding proverbs reveals metaphorical thinking, not necessarily abstract reasoning deficits. This research challenges assumptions about cognitive abilities linked to proverb interpretation in psychology.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psycholinguistics
Background:
- Proverb interpretation is a key area of interest in psychology.
- Figurative language comprehension is often linked to higher-order cognitive functions.
- Existing research explores the cognitive underpinnings of understanding proverbs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine what proverb use and understanding reveal about normal and dysfunctional thinking.
- To challenge the assumption that proverb interpretation deficits indicate abstract thinking impairments.
- To investigate the relationship between proverb comprehension and abstract thought.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of findings on proverb interpretation.
- Analysis of empirical evidence on figurative language comprehension.
- Examination of the cognitive abilities associated with understanding proverbs.
Main Results:
- The idea that failing to interpret proverbs reflects a deficit in abstract thinking is rejected.
- Correctly explaining a proverb does not automatically imply abstract thinking ability.
- Understanding many proverbs indicates the presence of metaphorical schemes in everyday thought.
Conclusions:
- Proverb comprehension is not solely dependent on specialized abstract thinking.
- Metaphorical schemes are fundamental to everyday cognition and proverb understanding.
- The study reframes the cognitive processes involved in interpreting figurative language.
Related Concept Videos
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:37Reason and Intuition
The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the brain can only use...
01:12Hindsight Biases
Hindsight bias leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable, even though it really wasn’t. In other words, you knew all along that things would turn out the way they did. Can you relate this to the phrase "Hindsight is 20/20" now?
01:20Conformity
Conformity is the change in a person’s behavior to go along with the group, even if that person does not agree with the group.
01:34Groupthink
When in group settings, we are often influenced by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around us. Groupthink is another phenomenon of conformity where modification of the opinions of members in a group aligns with what they believe is the group consensus (Janis, 1972). In such situations, the group often takes action that individuals would not perform outside the group setting because groups make more extreme decisions than individuals do. Moreover, groupthink can hinder opposing trains of...
01:19Counterfactual Thinking
Counterfactual thinking is a cognitive process wherein individuals mentally reconstruct alternative versions of past events, often beginning with “what if” or “if only.” This reflective mechanism plays a significant role in shaping emotional experiences and guiding future behavior. Though typically triggered by unfavorable or unexpected outcomes, counterfactual thinking can also emerge in mundane, everyday decisions and experiences, revealing its deep entrenchment in human cognition.Types of...