Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M6145

Seeing a Snake in the Cup

Seeing a Snake in the Cup
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Mistaking the reflection of a bow in a wine glass for a snake, and becoming ill from fear. After learning the truth, the illness is cured without treatment.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Psychogenic disorders. Many fears, anxieties, and even physical illnesses originate from inner projections (the bow's shadow). To solve such problems, medication (physical treatment) is ineffective; cognitive restructuring (seeing that it is a bow) is necessary to dispel the inner demon.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A metaphor for mistaking illusion for reality due to suspicion and self-disturbance; it illustrates that subjective expectations can distort perception, a classic cognitive bias.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9D%AF%E5%BC%93%E8%9B%87%E5%BD%B1ZH · Explicit
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