Describe a distributed cognitive system.

• A. Cog systems need not be confined to one individual; could be a group; perception via a combination of sensory systems
• B. Cog systems are always confined to one individual; perception via a single sense
• C. Cog systems cannot include perception
• D. Cog systems rely solely on internal representations

Answer: (A)

Distributed cognition treats thinking as something that happens through the interaction of people, tools, representations, and the environment, not just inside one brain. It emphasizes that cognitive work can be shared across a group and extended by artifacts like dashboards, maps, or devices, and that perception can come from multiple senses through these mediated tools.

This option is the best because it captures that cognitive systems can span more than one person and can rely on a mix of sensory inputs mediated by tools and environment. It reflects how groups work together with artifacts to perceive, interpret, and act.

The other ideas don’t fit because they imply cognition is limited to a single individual, restricted to one sense, excludes perception altogether, or relies only on internal mental representations—none of which align with the distributed view that cognition is distributed across people, tools, and surroundings. For example, a team using shared displays and instruments to coordinate actions illustrates how cognition is augmented by external aids and collective processing.