Cues in psychology refer to signals or indicators that influence our behaviors, thoughts, or emotions. They can be environmental stimuli, social signals, or internal thoughts that help guide our actions or inform our decision-making processes.
For example, a familiar smell might evoke memories from the past because that smell serves as a cue to recall certain experiences or emotions associated with it. Similarly, in social interactions, body language or tone of voice can serve as cues that inform us about others’ feelings or intentions.
Cues can be explicit, such as verbal instructions, or implicit, like unspoken body language. Understanding cues is essential in psychology because they play a crucial role in how we perceive and interpret our surroundings, helping us navigate through social environments and make sense of our experiences.