Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M1816

Thigmotaxis

Thigmotaxis
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Rats tend to walk close to walls when anxious, avoiding the open central area.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Safety design: When designing spaces (such as cafes) or social software, provide "corners" (private, supportive nooks). People need physical or psychological shelter to feel safe enough to observe and interact.

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Anchor fast decisions

Thigmotaxis is the directed response of organisms to contact/surface stimuli, such as wall-following, clustering, or avoiding touch, used for shelter, attachment, or stress response. It is common in insects, rodents, and microorganisms.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThigmotaxisZH · Explicit
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