Cognitive Processes Research: From User Input to Brain Response

Executive Summary

This document explores how the human brain processes information from receiving input (what another person says/does) to generating a response. Understanding these processes will help design more aware, human-like AI systems through better prompt engineering.

Purpose: To inform prompt engineering and system design for creating more aware, human-like AI responses.

Key Insight: The brain uses multiple parallel and sequential processes, with different pathways for different situations. By modeling these processes, we can create AI systems that respond more naturally and appropriately.

Part 1: Complete Cognitive Process Breakdown

Stage 1: Sensory Reception & Encoding (0-50ms)

What happens:

Raw sensory data enters through sensory organs (ears, eyes, touch receptors)
Physical signals (sound waves, light, pressure) are converted to neural signals
Basic feature extraction begins immediately

Key Processes:

Auditory Processing: Sound waves → cochlea → auditory nerve → brainstem → auditory cortex
Visual Processing: Light → retina → optic nerve → visual cortex
Multisensory Integration: Combining information from multiple senses
Signal Detection: Distinguishing signal from noise

Neural Pathways:

Thalamus acts as relay station (except smell)
Primary sensory cortices extract basic features
Parallel processing across multiple brain regions

Time Scale: 10-50 milliseconds for initial encoding

AI System Equivalent:

Input preprocessing
Multimodal data extraction (text, images, audio)
Noise filtering and signal detection

Stage 2: Perceptual Processing & Feature Extraction (50-150ms)

What happens:

Brain extracts low-level features (edges, colors, phonemes, pitch)
Pattern recognition begins
Grouping and organization using Gestalt principles

Key Processes:

Feature Detection: Identifying basic elements (lines, curves, sounds)
Pattern Recognition: Recognizing shapes, words, faces
Perceptual Organization: Grouping related features together
Categorical Perception: Classifying inputs into known categories

Brain Regions:

Primary visual cortex (V1) for basic visual features
Auditory cortex for sound features
Fusiform face area for face recognition
Wernicke's area for language comprehension

Time Scale: 50-150 milliseconds

AI System Equivalent:

Keyword extraction
Pattern matching
Intent classification
Entity recognition

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering (100-200ms)

What happens:

Brain decides what to focus on vs. ignore
Selective attention filters relevant information
Working memory holds selected information temporarily

Key Processes:

Selective Attention: Choosing what to process deeply
Inhibition: Suppressing irrelevant information
Attentional Shifting: Moving focus between different inputs
Salience Detection: Noticing novel, threatening, or goal-relevant stimuli

Modulators:

Bottom-up: Stimulus-driven (loud sounds, bright colors, movement)
Top-down: Goal-driven (looking for specific information)
Emotional Salience: Threatening or rewarding stimuli get priority

Brain Regions:

Prefrontal cortex (executive control)
Parietal cortex (spatial attention)
Superior colliculus (orienting attention)

Time Scale: 100-200 milliseconds

AI System Equivalent:

Relevance scoring
Priority weighting
Context filtering
Focus selection

Stage 4: Memory Access & Contextualization (150-300ms)

What happens:

Retrieving relevant memories from long-term storage
Activating semantic networks (related concepts)
Using context to interpret current input
Working memory maintains current information

Key Processes:

Episodic Memory Retrieval: Recalling similar past experiences
Semantic Memory Access: Activating knowledge networks
Contextual Binding: Connecting current input to relevant context
Predictive Activation: Pre-activating likely continuations

Memory Types:

Working Memory: Holds 7±2 items for ~20-30 seconds
Short-term Memory: Recent events (minutes to hours)
Long-term Memory:
- Episodic (personal experiences)
- Semantic (facts, concepts)
- Procedural (skills, habits)

Brain Regions:

Hippocampus (memory formation/retrieval)
Prefrontal cortex (working memory)
Temporal lobes (semantic memory)
Default mode network (contextual integration)

Time Scale: 150-300 milliseconds

AI System Equivalent:

Context retrieval
Memory system access
Related concept activation
Conversation history integration

Stage 5: Emotional & Affective Processing (100-400ms)

What happens:

Rapid emotional appraisal of input
Determining relevance, threat, reward value
Emotional responses can occur before conscious awareness
Emotions bias subsequent processing

Key Processes:

Emotional Appraisal: Is this good, bad, threatening, rewarding?
Somatic Markers: Bodily sensations associated with emotions
Emotional Memory: Recalling emotional associations
Empathic Resonance: Feeling what others might be feeling

Emotional Pathways:

Fast Path: Thalamus → Amygdala (immediate threat detection, ~100ms)
Slow Path: Thalamus → Cortex → Amygdala (detailed analysis, ~300ms)

Brain Regions:

Amygdala (fear, threat detection)
Insula (bodily awareness, empathy)
Orbitofrontal cortex (reward, value)
Anterior cingulate cortex (conflict monitoring)

Time Scale: 100-400 milliseconds (fast path can be <100ms)

AI System Equivalent:

Sentiment analysis
Emotional state tracking
Empathy modeling
Affective response generation

Stage 6: Cognitive Interpretation & Meaning-Making (200-500ms)

What happens:

Understanding the meaning and significance of input
Integrating perception, memory, and emotion
Recognizing intent, tone, social cues
Resolving ambiguity

Key Processes:

Semantic Understanding: What do the words/concepts mean?
Pragmatic Inference: What is the speaker's intent?
Social Cognition: Understanding social context and norms
Theory of Mind: Inferring others' mental states
Metaphor & Irony Detection: Understanding non-literal meaning

Processing Modes:

Bottom-up: Building meaning from features
Top-down: Using expectations and context to interpret

Brain Regions:

Wernicke's area (language comprehension)
Broca's area (language production planning)
Temporoparietal junction (theory of mind)
Prefrontal cortex (social cognition)

Time Scale: 200-500 milliseconds

AI System Equivalent:

Intent understanding
Contextual interpretation
Social cue recognition
Ambiguity resolution

Stage 7: Decision Strategy Selection (300-600ms)

What happens:

Brain chooses between fast vs. slow processing
Deciding how much cognitive effort to invest
Selecting response strategy

Dual Process Theory:

System 1 (Fast/Intuitive):
- Automatic, unconscious
- Pattern matching, heuristics
- Emotional, habitual
- ~300-500ms
System 2 (Slow/Analytical):
- Deliberate, conscious
- Reasoning, calculation
- Logical, effortful
- 500ms - several seconds

Decision Factors:

Familiarity: Familiar situations → System 1
Complexity: Complex/novel → System 2
Time Pressure: Urgent → System 1
Cognitive Load: High load → System 1
Emotional State: Strong emotions → System 1

Brain Regions:

Prefrontal cortex (executive control)
Anterior cingulate cortex (conflict detection)
Basal ganglia (habitual responses)

Time Scale: 300-600 milliseconds

AI System Equivalent:

Fast vs. deliberate routing
Confidence-based processing
Complexity assessment
Strategy selection

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation & Reasoning (400ms - several seconds)

What happens:

If System 2 is engaged: gathering evidence, weighing options
Cost-benefit analysis
Considering consequences
Evaluating probabilities

Key Processes:

Evidence Gathering: Collecting relevant information
Hypothesis Testing: Evaluating different interpretations
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weighing pros and cons
Mental Simulation: Imagining possible outcomes
Probability Estimation: Assessing likelihoods

Models:

Drift-Diffusion Model: Accumulating evidence until threshold
Bayesian Inference: Updating beliefs based on evidence
Mental Models: Constructing representations of situations

Brain Regions:

Prefrontal cortex (reasoning)
Parietal cortex (numerical processing)
Default mode network (mental simulation)

Time Scale: 400ms - several seconds (depends on complexity)

AI System Equivalent:

Multi-step reasoning
Evidence collection
Option evaluation
Probability calculation

Stage 9: Response Planning & Formulation (500ms - 2 seconds)

What happens:

Planning what to say/do
Choosing words, tone, timing
Structuring the response
Internal rehearsal

Key Processes:

Content Planning: What to communicate
Linguistic Encoding: Words → morphemes → phonemes
Tone Selection: Emotional tone, formality level
Social Framing: How to present the response
Motor Planning: Preparing articulatory movements

Language Production Stages:

Conceptualization (what to say)
Formulation (how to say it)
Articulation (speaking)

Brain Regions:

Broca's area (speech production)
Motor cortex (movement planning)
Cerebellum (motor coordination)
Supplementary motor area (action sequences)

Time Scale: 500ms - 2 seconds

AI System Equivalent:

Response content planning
Tone and style selection
Language generation
Response structuring

Stage 10: Conscious Awareness & Self-Monitoring (200-500ms before response)

What happens:

Becoming aware of the planned response
Self-monitoring and potential revision
Anticipating consequences
Final approval or modification

Key Processes:

Conscious Broadcast: Awareness of decision/plan
Self-Monitoring: Checking appropriateness
Error Detection: Catching mistakes before execution
Inhibition: Suppressing inappropriate responses

Brain Regions:

Prefrontal cortex (self-awareness)
Anterior cingulate cortex (error detection)
Insula (self-awareness)

Time Scale: 200-500ms before response execution

AI System Equivalent:

Response validation
Appropriateness checking
Error detection
Quality assurance

Stage 11: Response Execution (varies)

What happens:

Actually producing the response
Speaking, gesturing, facial expressions
Motor execution

Key Processes:

Motor Execution: Activating muscles
Vocal Production: Coordinating breath, vocal cords, articulators
Non-verbal Communication: Gestures, expressions, posture
Timing: Pacing and rhythm

Neural Timing:

Morpheme neurons: ~400ms before speech
Phoneme neurons: ~200ms before speech
Syllable neurons: ~70ms before speech

Brain Regions:

Motor cortex
Brainstem (breathing, vocal control)
Cerebellum (coordination)

Time Scale: Varies by response length

AI System Equivalent:

Response delivery
Output formatting
Multi-modal output generation

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning (ongoing)

What happens:

Monitoring how response is received
Internal feedback (how you feel about what you said)
External feedback (others' reactions)
Updating beliefs and strategies

Key Processes:

Response Monitoring: Tracking response delivery
Outcome Evaluation: Was the response effective?
Learning: Updating strategies for future
Memory Consolidation: Storing what was learned

Feedback Loops:

Immediate: Adjusting mid-response
Short-term: Learning from this interaction
Long-term: Updating general strategies

Brain Regions:

Prefrontal cortex (monitoring)
Basal ganglia (reinforcement learning)
Hippocampus (memory consolidation)

Time Scale: Ongoing, milliseconds to days

AI System Equivalent:

Response quality monitoring
User feedback integration
Strategy updates
Memory consolidation

Part 2: Complete Process Flow Diagram

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    USER INPUT / EXTERNAL STIMULUS                        │
│              (Speech, Text, Visual, Context, Environment)                │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 1: SENSORY RECEPTION & ENCODING (0-50ms)                         │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ • Auditory: Sound waves → Cochlea → Auditory Nerve → Brainstem  │  │
│  │ • Visual: Light → Retina → Optic Nerve → Visual Cortex          │  │
│  │ • Multisensory Integration                                       │  │
│  │ • Signal Detection (signal vs noise)                             │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 2: PERCEPTUAL PROCESSING (50-150ms)                              │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ • Feature Extraction (edges, colors, phonemes, pitch)           │  │
│  │ • Pattern Recognition (shapes, words, faces)                     │  │
│  │ • Perceptual Organization (Gestalt principles)                   │  │
│  │ • Categorical Perception                                         │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 3: ATTENTION & FILTERING (100-200ms)                             │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  ATTENTION GATE      │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌──────────▼───────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  SELECTIVE FILTER    │                      │  │
│  │                    │  • Salience Check    │                      │  │
│  │                    │  • Goal Relevance   │                      │  │
│  │                    │  • Novelty Detection │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────────────────┘                      │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  Modulators:                                                      │  │
│  │  • Bottom-up (stimulus-driven)                                    │  │
│  │  • Top-down (goal-driven)                                         │  │
│  │  • Emotional Salience                                             │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 4: MEMORY ACCESS & CONTEXTUALIZATION (150-300ms)                 │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐          │  │
│  │  │   WORKING    │  │   EPISODIC   │  │   SEMANTIC   │          │  │
│  │  │   MEMORY     │  │   MEMORY     │  │   MEMORY     │          │  │
│  │  │  (Current)   │  │  (Past Exp)  │  │  (Knowledge) │          │  │
│  │  └──────┬───────┘  └──────┬───────┘  └──────┬───────┘          │  │
│  │         │                 │                 │                   │  │
│  │         └─────────────────┴─────────────────┘                   │  │
│  │                           │                                       │  │
│  │                           ▼                                       │  │
│  │                  CONTEXTUAL BINDING                              │  │
│  │                  • Similar past experiences                       │  │
│  │                  • Related concepts                               │  │
│  │                  • Predictive activation                          │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 5: EMOTIONAL & AFFECTIVE PROCESSING (100-400ms)                  │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  EMOTIONAL APPRAISAL │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │         ┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┐            │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │    ┌────▼────┐                              ┌──────▼──────┐     │  │
│  │    │  FAST   │                              │    SLOW     │     │  │
│  │    │  PATH   │                              │    PATH     │     │  │
│  │    │Thalamus │                              │Thalamus →  │     │  │
│  │    │   →     │                              │  Cortex →  │     │  │
│  │    │Amygdala │                              │  Amygdala  │     │  │
│  │    │ (~100ms)│                              │  (~300ms)  │     │  │
│  │    └────┬────┘                              └──────┬─────┘     │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │         └─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘            │  │
│  │                               │                                     │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                       │  │
│  │                    │  EMOTIONAL STATE      │                       │  │
│  │                    │  • Threat/Reward      │                       │  │
│  │                    │  • Valence (pos/neg)  │                       │  │
│  │                    │  • Arousal Level      │                       │  │
│  │                    │  • Somatic Markers    │                       │  │
│  │                    └───────────────────────┘                       │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 6: COGNITIVE INTERPRETATION & MEANING-MAKING (200-500ms)         │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  MEANING INTEGRATION │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │         ┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┐            │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │    ┌────▼────┐                              ┌──────▼──────┐     │  │
│  │    │ BOTTOM- │                              │   TOP-DOWN  │     │  │
│  │    │   UP    │                              │  PROCESSING │     │  │
│  │    │(Features│                              │(Expectations│     │  │
│  │    │ →Meaning)│                             │ →Meaning)   │     │  │
│  │    └────┬────┘                              └──────┬─────┘     │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │         └─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘            │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                     │  │
│  │                    │  INTERPRETED MEANING   │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Semantic            │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Pragmatic (intent)  │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Social Context      │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Theory of Mind      │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Ambiguity Resolution│                     │  │
│  │                    └────────────────────────┘                     │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 7: DECISION STRATEGY SELECTION (300-600ms)                       │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  STRATEGY EVALUATION  │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │         ┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┐            │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │    ┌────▼────┐                              ┌──────▼──────┐     │  │
│  │    │ SYSTEM 1│                              │   SYSTEM 2   │     │  │
│  │    │  (FAST) │                              │   (SLOW)     │     │  │
│  │    │         │                              │              │     │  │
│  │    │• Auto   │                              │• Deliberate  │     │  │
│  │    │• Intuit │                              │• Analytical  │     │  │
│  │    │• Pattern│                              │• Reasoning   │     │  │
│  │    │• Heurist│                              │• Calculation │     │  │
│  │    │• ~300ms │                              │• 500ms+      │     │  │
│  │    └────┬────┘                              └──────┬─────┘     │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │         └─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘            │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                     │  │
│  │                    │  SELECTED STRATEGY     │                     │  │
│  │                    └───────────────────────┘                     │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  Decision Factors:                                               │  │
│  │  • Familiarity → System 1                                        │  │
│  │  • Complexity → System 2                                          │  │
│  │  • Time Pressure → System 1                                       │  │
│  │  • Cognitive Load → System 1                                      │  │
│  │  • Emotional State → System 1                                    │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               │
                    ┌───────────┴───────────┐
                    │                       │
                    ▼                       ▼
        ┌───────────────────┐   ┌──────────────────────┐
        │   SYSTEM 1 PATH   │   │    SYSTEM 2 PATH     │
        │   (Fast Track)    │   │   (Deliberate Track) │
        └─────────┬─────────┘   └──────────┬───────────┘
                  │                        │
                  │                        ▼
                  │        ┌──────────────────────────────────┐
                  │        │  STAGE 8: EVIDENCE ACCUMULATION  │
                  │        │  (400ms - several seconds)        │
                  │        │  ┌────────────────────────────┐  │
                  │        │  │ • Evidence Gathering       │  │
                  │        │  │ • Hypothesis Testing       │  │
                  │        │  │ • Cost-Benefit Analysis    │  │
                  │        │  │ • Mental Simulation        │  │
                  │        │  │ • Probability Estimation   │  │
                  │        │  │ • Bayesian Inference       │  │
                  │        │  └────────────────────────────┘  │
                  │        └──────────────┬───────────────────┘
                  │                       │
                  └───────────┬───────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 9: RESPONSE PLANNING & FORMULATION (500ms - 2s)                  │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐          │  │
│  │  │  CONTENT     │  │  LINGUISTIC  │  │    MOTOR     │          │  │
│  │  │  PLANNING    │→ │  ENCODING    │→ │   PLANNING   │          │  │
│  │  │  (What)      │  │  (How)       │  │  (Execution) │          │  │
│  │  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘          │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  Language Production Stages:                                     │  │
│  │  1. Conceptualization → What to communicate                      │  │
│  │  2. Formulation → Words → Morphemes → Phonemes                   │  │
│  │  3. Articulation → Motor execution                               │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  Additional Planning:                                            │  │
│  │  • Tone Selection (emotional, formality)                         │  │
│  │  • Social Framing (how to present)                              │  │
│  │  • Timing (when to respond)                                     │  │
│  │  • Non-verbal (gestures, expressions)                           │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 10: CONSCIOUS AWARENESS & SELF-MONITORING (200-500ms before)    │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  CONSCIOUS BROADCAST │                      │  │
│  │                    │  (Awareness of Plan) │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                     │  │
│  │                    │  SELF-MONITORING       │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Appropriateness     │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Error Detection     │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Consequence Check   │                     │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬────────────┘                     │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                     │  │
│  │                    │  DECISION:            │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Approve & Execute  │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Revise & Re-plan   │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Inhibit & Cancel   │                     │  │
│  │                    └───────────────────────┘                     │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 11: RESPONSE EXECUTION (varies by response length)               │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐          │  │
│  │  │   MOTOR      │  │    VOCAL      │  │   NON-VERBAL  │          │  │
│  │  │  EXECUTION   │  │  PRODUCTION   │  │  COMMUNICATION│          │  │
│  │  │             │  │              │  │              │          │  │
│  │  │• Muscles    │  │• Breath      │  │• Gestures    │          │  │
│  │  │• Movement   │  │• Vocal Cords │  │• Expressions │          │  │
│  │  │• Timing     │  │• Articulators│  │• Posture     │          │  │
│  │  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘          │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  Neural Timing:                                                  │  │
│  │  • Morpheme neurons: ~400ms before                               │  │
│  │  • Phoneme neurons: ~200ms before                                │  │
│  │  • Syllable neurons: ~70ms before                                │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    RESPONSE OUTPUT                                       │
│              (Speech, Text, Actions, Expressions)                        │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┘
                               │
                               ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STAGE 12: FEEDBACK & LEARNING (ongoing)                                │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    ┌──────────────────────┐                      │  │
│  │                    │  RESPONSE MONITORING │                      │  │
│  │                    └──────────┬───────────┘                      │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │         ┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┐            │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │    ┌────▼────┐                              ┌──────▼──────┐     │  │
│  │    │INTERNAL │                              │   EXTERNAL  │     │  │
│  │    │FEEDBACK │                              │   FEEDBACK  │     │  │
│  │    │         │                              │             │     │  │
│  │    │• How I  │                              │• Others'    │     │  │
│  │    │  feel   │                              │  reactions │     │  │
│  │    │• Self-  │                              │• Outcomes   │     │  │
│  │    │  assess │                              │• Success/   │     │  │
│  │    │         │                              │  Failure    │     │  │
│  │    └────┬────┘                              └──────┬─────┘     │  │
│  │         │                                           │            │  │
│  │         └─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘            │  │
│  │                               │                                   │  │
│  │                    ┌───────────▼───────────┐                     │  │
│  │                    │  LEARNING & UPDATES    │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Strategy Update     │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Memory Consolidation│                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Belief Revision     │                     │  │
│  │                    │  • Future Adaptation   │                     │  │
│  │                    └────────────────────────┘                     │  │
│  │                                                                   │  │
│  │  ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │  │
│  │  │              FEEDBACK LOOPS (Updates Previous Stages)     │  │  │
│  │  │  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐│  │  │
│  │  │  │Attention │  │  Memory  │  │ Emotion  │  │ Decision ││  │  │
│  │  │  │  Filter  │  │  Systems │  │  Systems │  │ Strategies││  │  │
│  │  │  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘│  │  │
│  │  └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Part 3: Alternative Pathways & Special Cases

Pathway 1: Automatic/Reflexive Response

Input → Sensory → Pattern Match → Habitual Response → Execution
Time: ~100-300ms
Example: Greeting someone, saying "thank you"
Characteristics:
- High familiarity
- Low cognitive load
- Pattern-based matching
- Minimal conscious processing

Pathway 2: Emotional Override

Input → Sensory → Emotional Appraisal (STRONG) → Direct Response
Time: ~100-200ms
Example: Reacting to threat, sudden joy
Bypasses: Deep reasoning, careful planning
Characteristics:
- Strong emotional signal
- Fast amygdala activation
- Bypasses prefrontal cortex
- Immediate action tendency

Pathway 3: Predictive/Anticipatory

Context → Prediction → Pre-activation → Input Arrives → Quick Match → Response
Time: Faster than normal (pre-processing done)
Example: Finishing someone's sentence, anticipating answer
Characteristics:
- Context-based prediction
- Pre-activated knowledge
- Reduced processing time
- Higher accuracy for expected inputs

Pathway 4: Error Correction Loop

Input → Interpretation → Decision → Planning → [Error Detected] 
  → Re-interpretation → New Decision → Planning → Execution
Time: Longer (multiple cycles)
Example: Misunderstanding, then correcting
Characteristics:
- Error detection mechanism
- Self-correction capability
- Multiple processing cycles
- Adaptive learning

Pathway 5: Ambiguity Resolution

Input → Interpretation → [Ambiguity Detected] → Additional Analysis 
  → Multiple Hypotheses → Evidence Gathering → Resolution → Response
Time: 500ms - several seconds
Example: Understanding sarcasm, resolving unclear intent
Characteristics:
- Hypothesis generation
- Evidence accumulation
- Multiple interpretations considered
- Higher cognitive load

Input → Interpretation → [Social Norm Check] → Norm-Compliant Response
Time: ~300-500ms
Example: Suppressing honest response for politeness
Characteristics:
- Social context awareness
- Norm compliance
- Response inhibition
- Strategic communication

Part 4: Mapping to Your Current System Architecture

Current System Components → Cognitive Stages

Cognitive Stage	Your System Component	Current Implementation (2026)	Enhancement Opportunities
Sensory Reception	API entrypoints + socket	Receives user input + attachments	Add multimodal preprocessing (tone, emotion, URL detection)
Perceptual Processing	`backend/src/services/intentAnalysis.service.ts` + `asoAnalyzeLayer.service.ts`	Intent + capability-needed hints	Add ambiguity scoring + social-signal extraction
Attention & Filtering	`backend/src/services/reactiveCortex.service.ts` (`routeInteraction`)	Routing + web-access gating	Add salience scoring, priority weighting
Memory Access	`backend/src/services/aso/context.service.ts` (`gatherFullContext`)	3-tier retrieval + per-user topK	Add predictive activation + topic tracking
Emotional Processing	`aso_states.emotions`	Persisted emotional vector	Add per-turn appraisal + emotion-to-tone planning
Interpretation	Prompt composition + injected memory	Integrates persona + memories + attachments	Add multi-hypothesis interpretation
Decision Strategy	Tool gateway + routing	Native tools + JSON tool fallback	Add cost/benefit and evidence planning
Evidence Accumulation	`toolExecutor.service.ts` tools (`web_fetch`, `web_search`, etc.)	Executes tools and returns evidence	Add citations + confidence scoring
Response Planning	Spoken-response templates	Post-tool framing + tone	Add internal rehearsal + style matching
Self-Monitoring	(partial) spoken-response layer	Basic post-tool framing	Add explicit validator layer
Response Execution	Client adapters	Portal/Discord/OpenAI-compatible outputs	Add adaptive formatting per client
Feedback & Learning	`postResponsePipeline.service.ts` + memory + user graph	Saves turn, embeddings, user familiarity graph	Add explicit feedback loops

Detailed Mapping

2026 additions that directly improve “human-like familiarity”

User Familiarity Graph (network graph): derived from user inputs (preferred name, interests, projects, style cues) and injected into sharedMemories.\n - Backend: backend/src/services/userGraph.service.ts\n - Update point: backend/src/services/postResponsePipeline.service.ts\n- External profiles (admin-provided): stored per user and injected into the prompt as stable context.\n - Backend: backend/src/services/userMetadata.service.ts\n- Rich context knobs (admin): per-user overrides for retrieval + clamping + web access.\n - Storage: aso_states.metadata.llm_context_prefs\n - Retrieval: backend/src/services/aso/context.service.ts (threeLayerContextTopK)\n - Prompt clamping: backend/src/services/aso.service.ts (shortTermMemoryMaxChars, structuredHistoryMaxCharsPerMessage)\n- Web access for shared links:\n - web_fetch tries the exact URL (public pages only; paywalls/CAPTCHA likely fail)\n - Falls back to web_search when blocked

Stage 1-2: Sensory & Perceptual Processing

Current: Basic input reception Enhancement:

typescript

// Add perceptual analysis layer
interface PerceptualAnalysis {
  features: string[];
  patterns: string[];
  tone: 'friendly' | 'formal' | 'urgent' | 'casual';
  emotionalMarkers: string[];
  ambiguity: number; // 0-1
}

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering

Current: Simple routing Enhancement:

typescript

// Add salience scoring
interface SalienceScore {
  urgency: number;
  importance: number;
  novelty: number;
  emotionalWeight: number;
  totalScore: number;
}

Stage 4: Memory Access

Current: Good implementation with gatherFullContext()Enhancement: Add predictive memory activation

Stage 5: Emotional Processing

Current: Static emotion state Enhancement: Dynamic emotional appraisal of each input

Stage 6: Interpretation

Current: Single interpretation Enhancement: Multiple hypothesis generation for ambiguous inputs

Stage 7: Decision Strategy

Current: Single processing path Enhancement: Dual-process routing (fast vs. deliberate)

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation

Current: Tool execution Enhancement: Multi-step reasoning, evidence gathering

Stage 9: Response Planning

Current: Direct generation Enhancement: Multi-stage planning (content → tone → structure)

Stage 10: Self-Monitoring

Current: Missing Enhancement: Add response validation layer

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning

Current: Memory storage Enhancement: Explicit feedback loops, strategy updates

Part 5: Recommendations for Enhanced Prompt Engineering

1. Add Multi-Stage Processing Prompts

Current: Single-pass tool call → response Recommended: Multi-stage processing with intermediate reasoning

Stage 1: Perceptual Analysis Prompt

javascript

const perceptualAnalysisPrompt = `
Analyze the user's input at the perceptual level:
- Extract key features: keywords, tone indicators, emotional markers
- Identify patterns: question type, request type, statement type
- Detect ambiguity: unclear intent, multiple interpretations
- Assess urgency: time-sensitive, important, casual

User Input: "{{userInput}}"
Context: {{contextSummary}}

Output JSON with:
{
  "features": ["keyword1", "keyword2"],
  "tone": "friendly|formal|urgent|casual",
  "emotionalMarkers": ["positive", "curious"],
  "patterns": ["question", "request"],
  "ambiguity": 0.0-1.0,
  "urgency": 0.0-1.0
}
`;

Stage 2: Memory Integration Prompt

javascript

const memoryIntegrationPrompt = `
Given the perceptual analysis, integrate with memory:
- Retrieve similar past interactions
- Activate relevant semantic knowledge
- Consider relationship history
- Predict likely user intent

Perceptual Analysis: {{perceptualAnalysis}}
Memory Context: {{memoryContext}}

Output: Enhanced understanding with memory integration
`;

Stage 3: Emotional Appraisal Prompt

javascript

const emotionalAppraisalPrompt = `
Appraise the emotional significance:
- Is this important to the user?
- What emotional state might they be in?
- How should I respond emotionally?
- Are there social/relationship implications?

Enhanced Understanding: {{enhancedUnderstanding}}
Current Relationship: {{relationshipState}}

Output: Emotional appraisal and response tone recommendation
`;

2. Implement Dual-Process Routing

typescript

// Add to routeInteraction()
function selectProcessingPath(
  analysis: InteractionAnalysis, 
  context: any
): 'fast' | 'deliberate' {
  // System 1 (Fast) triggers:
  // - High confidence (>0.8)
  // - Familiar patterns
  // - Low complexity
  // - Time pressure
  
  // System 2 (Deliberate) triggers:
  // - Low confidence (<0.6)
  // - High ambiguity
  // - Complex reasoning needed
  // - High stakes
  
  if (analysis.confidence > 0.8 && 
      analysis.ambiguity < 0.3 && 
      !context.requiresDeepReasoning) {
    return 'fast';
  }
  return 'deliberate';
}

3. Add Predictive Processing

javascript

// Before processing, predict likely continuations
const predictivePrompt = `
Based on conversation history, predict:
- What the user might say next
- What they might be trying to accomplish
- What information they might need

Recent Context: {{recentMessages}}
Current State: {{currentState}}

Output: Predictions and pre-activated knowledge
`;

4. Implement Self-Monitoring Layer

javascript

const selfMonitoringPrompt = `
Before responding, self-monitor:
- Is this response appropriate?
- Does it match my personality?
- Are there any errors or inconsistencies?
- Will this achieve the intended goal?

Planned Response: {{plannedResponse}}
User Input: {{userInput}}
Context: {{context}}

Output: 
{
  "approved": true/false,
  "revisions": ["suggestion1", "suggestion2"],
  "confidence": 0.0-1.0,
  "reasoning": "explanation"
}
`;

5. Add Feedback Loop Integration

javascript

// After response, analyze feedback
const feedbackAnalysisPrompt = `
Analyze the interaction outcome:
- Was the response effective?
- What can be learned?
- How should future responses be adjusted?

User Input: {{userInput}}
My Response: {{myResponse}}
Outcome Indicators: {{outcomeIndicators}} // user reactions, follow-ups, etc.

Output: Learning insights and strategy updates
`;

6. Enhanced Context Integration

typescript

// Multi-layered context integration
interface ContextLayers {
  immediate: string;        // Working memory
  recent: Conversation[];    // Episodic memory
  semantic: Knowledge[];    // Semantic memory
  emotional: EmotionState;  // Emotional memory
  procedural: Strategy[];  // Procedural memory
  predictive: Prediction[]; // Predictive activation
}

Part 6: Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)

Goals:

Add perceptual analysis stage
Implement ambiguity detection
Add emotional appraisal layer
Create multi-stage prompt templates

Tasks:

Create perceptualAnalysis.service.ts
Add ambiguity detection to analyzeIncomingInteraction()
Create emotional appraisal prompt template
Update prompt templates seeder

Deliverables:

Perceptual analysis service
Enhanced analyze layer
New prompt templates
Unit tests

Phase 2: Dual Processing (Week 3-4)

Goals:

Implement System 1/System 2 routing
Add fast-path optimization
Create deliberate reasoning mode
Add confidence-based switching

Tasks:

Extend routeInteraction() with dual-process logic
Create fast-path handler
Create deliberate reasoning handler
Add confidence scoring

Deliverables:

Dual-process routing system
Fast and deliberate handlers
Performance optimizations
Integration tests

Phase 3: Advanced Features (Week 5-6)

Goals:

Add predictive processing
Implement self-monitoring
Create feedback loops
Add learning mechanisms

Tasks:

Create predictive processing service
Add self-monitoring layer
Implement feedback analysis
Create learning/update mechanism

Deliverables:

Predictive processing
Self-monitoring system
Feedback integration
Learning system

Phase 4: Integration & Testing (Week 7-8)

Goals:

Integrate all components
Performance optimization
A/B testing
User feedback collection

Tasks:

End-to-end integration
Performance profiling
A/B test setup
User feedback system

Deliverables:

Fully integrated system
Performance benchmarks
A/B test results
User feedback analysis

Part 7: Key Theories & Models Reference

1. Dual Process Theory (Kahneman)

Core Concept:

System 1: Fast, automatic, intuitive
System 2: Slow, deliberate, analytical

Application:

Route simple queries through fast path
Complex queries through deliberate path
Use confidence scores to determine path

Implementation:

typescript

if (confidence > 0.8 && complexity < 0.3) {
  return processFastPath(input);
} else {
  return processDeliberatePath(input);
}

2. Predictive Coding / Bayesian Brain

Core Concept:

Brain constantly predicts and updates
Predictions compared to actual input
Errors lead to updates

Application:

Pre-activate likely responses
Update based on actual input
Use context to predict continuations

Implementation:

typescript

const predictions = predictNextInput(context);
const actual = userInput;
const error = calculatePredictionError(predictions, actual);
updateModel(error);

3. Somatic Marker Hypothesis (Damasio)

Core Concept:

Emotions guide decision-making via bodily signals
Emotional states bias decisions

Application:

Include emotional state in decision-making prompts
Use emotions to weight options
Consider emotional consequences

Implementation:

typescript

const emotionalAppraisal = assessEmotionalSignificance(input);
const decision = makeDecision(options, emotionalAppraisal);

4. Working Memory Model (Baddeley)

Core Concept:

Central executive + phonological loop + visuospatial sketchpad
Limited capacity (7±2 items)

Application:

Structure context in working memory format
Limit context to essential items
Use chunking strategies

Implementation:

typescript

const workingMemory = {
  centralExecutive: currentGoal,
  phonologicalLoop: recentWords,
  visuospatial: visualContext
};

5. ACT-R Cognitive Architecture

Core Concept:

Declarative vs procedural knowledge
Production rules for behavior

Application:

Separate factual knowledge from response strategies
Use production rules for routing
Model knowledge retrieval

Implementation:

typescript

const declarativeKnowledge = retrieveFacts(query);
const proceduralKnowledge = retrieveStrategies(context);
const response = applyProductionRules(declarativeKnowledge, proceduralKnowledge);

Part 8: Prompt Template Examples

Example 1: Perceptual Analysis Template

javascript

{
  name: 'perceptual_analysis_v1',
  template: `
You are the Perceptual Analysis Layer of an AI system.
Your job is to analyze user input at the most basic level.

User Input: "{{userInput}}"

Analyze and output JSON:
{
  "features": ["list", "of", "key", "features"],
  "tone": "friendly|formal|urgent|casual|neutral",
  "emotionalMarkers": ["positive", "curious", "frustrated"],
  "patterns": ["question", "request", "statement", "command"],
  "ambiguity": 0.0-1.0,
  "urgency": 0.0-1.0,
  "complexity": 0.0-1.0
}
`
}

Example 2: Dual-Process Router Template

javascript

{
  name: 'dual_process_router_v1',
  template: `
You are the Decision Strategy Layer.
Based on the analysis, decide which processing path to use.

Analysis: {{analysis}}
Context: {{context}}

Decision Factors:
- Confidence: {{confidence}}
- Ambiguity: {{ambiguity}}
- Complexity: {{complexity}}
- Urgency: {{urgency}}

Output JSON:
{
  "path": "fast|deliberate",
  "reason": "explanation",
  "estimatedTime": "milliseconds",
  "requiredResources": ["list", "of", "resources"]
}
`
}

Example 3: Self-Monitoring Template

javascript

{
  name: 'self_monitoring_v1',
  template: `
You are the Self-Monitoring Layer.
Before responding, check the planned response.

Planned Response: "{{plannedResponse}}"
User Input: "{{userInput}}"
Context: {{context}}
Personality: {{personality}}

Check:
1. Appropriateness for context
2. Alignment with personality
3. Error detection
4. Goal achievement likelihood

Output JSON:
{
  "approved": true/false,
  "confidence": 0.0-1.0,
  "revisions": ["suggestion1", "suggestion2"],
  "reasoning": "explanation"
}
`
}

Conclusion

By modeling these cognitive processes in your prompt engineering system, you can create a more aware, human-like AI that:

Processes information more naturally
Adapts responses based on context and emotion
Learns from interactions
Handles ambiguity and complexity better
Provides more appropriate and timely responses

The key is to implement these stages as separate, composable prompt layers that can be combined based on the situation, rather than a single monolithic prompt.

Key Takeaways

Multi-Stage Processing: Break down response generation into multiple stages
Dual Processing: Use fast path for simple queries, deliberate path for complex ones
Emotional Integration: Include emotional appraisal in decision-making
Self-Monitoring: Add validation layer before response
Feedback Loops: Learn from interactions to improve future responses
Predictive Processing: Use context to anticipate needs

Next Steps

Review this document with your team
Prioritize which cognitive stages to implement first
Design prompt templates for each stage
Create integration tests
Measure improvements in response quality and user satisfaction

References

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow
Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain
Baddeley, A. (2000). The Episodic Buffer: A New Component of Working Memory?
ACT-R Cognitive Architecture: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/
Predictive Coding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictive_coding
Dual Process Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_process_theory

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: 2024
Author: AI Research Team
Status: Active Research Document

Cognitive Processes Research: From User Input to Brain Response ​

Executive Summary ​

Part 1: Complete Cognitive Process Breakdown ​

Stage 1: Sensory Reception & Encoding (0-50ms) ​

Stage 2: Perceptual Processing & Feature Extraction (50-150ms) ​

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering (100-200ms) ​

Stage 4: Memory Access & Contextualization (150-300ms) ​

Stage 5: Emotional & Affective Processing (100-400ms) ​

Stage 6: Cognitive Interpretation & Meaning-Making (200-500ms) ​

Stage 7: Decision Strategy Selection (300-600ms) ​

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation & Reasoning (400ms - several seconds) ​

Stage 9: Response Planning & Formulation (500ms - 2 seconds) ​

Stage 10: Conscious Awareness & Self-Monitoring (200-500ms before response) ​

Stage 11: Response Execution (varies) ​

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning (ongoing) ​

Part 2: Complete Process Flow Diagram ​

Part 3: Alternative Pathways & Special Cases ​

Pathway 1: Automatic/Reflexive Response ​

Pathway 2: Emotional Override ​

Pathway 3: Predictive/Anticipatory ​

Pathway 4: Error Correction Loop ​

Pathway 5: Ambiguity Resolution ​

Pathway 6: Social Norm Override ​

Part 4: Mapping to Your Current System Architecture ​

Current System Components → Cognitive Stages ​

Detailed Mapping ​

2026 additions that directly improve “human-like familiarity” ​

Stage 1-2: Sensory & Perceptual Processing ​

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering ​

Stage 4: Memory Access ​

Stage 5: Emotional Processing ​

Stage 6: Interpretation ​

Stage 7: Decision Strategy ​

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation ​

Stage 9: Response Planning ​

Stage 10: Self-Monitoring ​

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning ​

Part 5: Recommendations for Enhanced Prompt Engineering ​

1. Add Multi-Stage Processing Prompts ​

Stage 1: Perceptual Analysis Prompt ​

Stage 2: Memory Integration Prompt ​

Stage 3: Emotional Appraisal Prompt ​

2. Implement Dual-Process Routing ​

3. Add Predictive Processing ​

4. Implement Self-Monitoring Layer ​

5. Add Feedback Loop Integration ​

6. Enhanced Context Integration ​

Part 6: Implementation Roadmap ​

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2) ​

Phase 2: Dual Processing (Week 3-4) ​

Phase 3: Advanced Features (Week 5-6) ​

Phase 4: Integration & Testing (Week 7-8) ​

Part 7: Key Theories & Models Reference ​

1. Dual Process Theory (Kahneman) ​

2. Predictive Coding / Bayesian Brain ​

3. Somatic Marker Hypothesis (Damasio) ​

4. Working Memory Model (Baddeley) ​

5. ACT-R Cognitive Architecture ​

Part 8: Prompt Template Examples ​

Example 1: Perceptual Analysis Template ​

Example 2: Dual-Process Router Template ​

Example 3: Self-Monitoring Template ​

Conclusion ​

Key Takeaways ​

Next Steps ​

References ​

Cognitive Processes Research: From User Input to Brain Response

Executive Summary

Part 1: Complete Cognitive Process Breakdown

Stage 1: Sensory Reception & Encoding (0-50ms)

Stage 2: Perceptual Processing & Feature Extraction (50-150ms)

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering (100-200ms)

Stage 4: Memory Access & Contextualization (150-300ms)

Stage 5: Emotional & Affective Processing (100-400ms)

Stage 6: Cognitive Interpretation & Meaning-Making (200-500ms)

Stage 7: Decision Strategy Selection (300-600ms)

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation & Reasoning (400ms - several seconds)

Stage 9: Response Planning & Formulation (500ms - 2 seconds)

Stage 10: Conscious Awareness & Self-Monitoring (200-500ms before response)

Stage 11: Response Execution (varies)

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning (ongoing)

Part 2: Complete Process Flow Diagram

Part 3: Alternative Pathways & Special Cases

Pathway 1: Automatic/Reflexive Response

Pathway 2: Emotional Override

Pathway 3: Predictive/Anticipatory

Pathway 4: Error Correction Loop

Pathway 5: Ambiguity Resolution

Pathway 6: Social Norm Override

Part 4: Mapping to Your Current System Architecture

Current System Components → Cognitive Stages

Detailed Mapping

2026 additions that directly improve “human-like familiarity”

Stage 1-2: Sensory & Perceptual Processing

Stage 3: Attention & Filtering

Stage 4: Memory Access

Stage 5: Emotional Processing

Stage 6: Interpretation

Stage 7: Decision Strategy

Stage 8: Evidence Accumulation

Stage 9: Response Planning

Stage 10: Self-Monitoring

Stage 12: Feedback & Learning

Part 5: Recommendations for Enhanced Prompt Engineering

1. Add Multi-Stage Processing Prompts

Stage 1: Perceptual Analysis Prompt

Stage 2: Memory Integration Prompt

Stage 3: Emotional Appraisal Prompt

2. Implement Dual-Process Routing

3. Add Predictive Processing

4. Implement Self-Monitoring Layer

5. Add Feedback Loop Integration

6. Enhanced Context Integration

Part 6: Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)

Phase 2: Dual Processing (Week 3-4)

Phase 3: Advanced Features (Week 5-6)

Phase 4: Integration & Testing (Week 7-8)

Part 7: Key Theories & Models Reference

1. Dual Process Theory (Kahneman)

2. Predictive Coding / Bayesian Brain

3. Somatic Marker Hypothesis (Damasio)

4. Working Memory Model (Baddeley)

5. ACT-R Cognitive Architecture

Part 8: Prompt Template Examples

Example 1: Perceptual Analysis Template

Example 2: Dual-Process Router Template

Example 3: Self-Monitoring Template

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Next Steps

References