MENTAL MODEL · M2041

Predictive Coding / Free Energy Principle

TechnicalHigh supportNeuroscience

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The brain is not a passive receiver (like a camera), but an active prediction machine. The brain constantly generates predictions about the world (top-down) and compares them with sensory input (bottom-up). What we 'see' is mainly our predictions; only when predictions are wrong (prediction error) does the brain update its model. - Scaffolding role: Scientific explanation of perception as illusion. - It explains why 'looking without seeing' and 'bias' are so stubborn. We only see what we expect to see. The essence of learning is not memorization.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Scientific explanation of perception as illusion. - It explains why 'looking without seeing' and 'bias' are so stubborn. We only see what we expect to see. The essence of learning is not memorization.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The brain continuously generates top-down predictions and compares them with bottom-up sensory input; only when prediction errors occur does it update the internal model (free energy minimization). Perception is mainly 'realization of predictions', not passive recording.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/4

Practice this model in one real situation:

Understand that bias and 'looking without seeing' stem from overly strong predictive priors
actively question 'whether what I expect to see is actually fact' when judging
explicitly update with new evidence
present counter-expectational information to users in design to break blind spots.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

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zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%A0%90%E6%B8%AC%E7%B7%A8%E7%A2%BCZH · Explicit
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