Human brains love pattern. The brain has even been described as desperate for pattern. We seek out patterns - even in situations where no pattern can easily be found. This natural drive makes it clear that pattern must serve some fundamental purpose in our thinking and learning.
The function that pattern serves is to help us make sense of the world around us. It enables us to predict and to generalise, and to discern rules and regularities. It is often subjective - in that one person may notice a pattern that someone else does not spot. Once detected, others can identify the pattern and it can be copied.
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