A Cognitive Model of Magic: Belief Formation and Collapse in the Triumph Effect

Key Points

• The aim is to establish a cognitive model that explains how beliefs are formed and can collapse in magic tricks.
• Developed a five-component structure: State, Operation, Constraint, Belief, and Collapse.
• Applied the framework to the classic card effect 'Triumph'.
• Analyzed various aspects of magical effects using this cognitive model.
• Provided a systematic approach to understand belief dynamics in magic.
• Demonstrated how the components interact in the context of a specific card trick.