What do dissociations in cognitive psychology refer to?

Dissociations in cognitive psychology are often used to describe the phenomenon where two cognitive functions can operate independently of each other, demonstrating differences in their processing. This is illustrated by the distinction between functions like imagery and perception; they can be affected differently by various tasks or conditions, suggesting that they are governed by separate cognitive mechanisms or pathways in the brain. For example, a person may have the ability to imagine an object without being able to perceive it correctly, which indicates a dissociation between these two cognitive functions.

This concept is critical in cognitive psychology because it allows researchers to understand how various cognitive processes operate distinctly, which can lead to insights into the structure and organization of the mind. By studying cases and examples where cognitive functions dissociate, psychologists can further explore the complexities of human cognition and the interactions between different cognitive systems.