Cognitive architecture refers to the underlying structure and processes that define how a system, such as a human mind or an artificial intelligence, thinks and learns. It encompasses the mechanisms for perception, memory, reasoning, and decision-making, providing a framework for understanding cognitive functions. Researchers study cognitive architectures to model human cognition and improve AI systems. Examples of cognitive architectures include ACT-R and SOAR, which simulate human problem-solving and learning. These models help researchers explore how knowledge is represented and manipulated, contributing to advancements in fields like psychology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence.