Cognitive Psychology: Videos & Practice Problems

Cognitive psychology emerged in the 1960s, focusing on mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Influenced by the rise of computers, this field shifted away from behaviorism, marking the cognitive revolution. Key figures include Ulrich Neisser, who defined cognition, George A. Miller, known for his research on short-term memory capacity, and Noam Chomsky, who critiqued behaviorism's view on language acquisition. Their contributions established cognitive psychology as a dominant field, emphasizing the importance of understanding mental processes in human behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology emerged in the 1960s as a significant field that emphasizes the study of mental processes, including information processing, memory, perception, language, and problem-solving. This shift in focus was partly inspired by the rise of computers, which led psychologists to draw parallels between computer information processing and human cognition. The decline of behaviorism, which concentrated solely on observable behaviors, paved the way for what is known as the cognitive revolution, fundamentally transforming the landscape of psychology.

The central inquiry of cognitive psychology revolves around understanding how humans perceive, think, remember, and solve problems. Language research is also a critical component of this field. Key figures in the development of cognitive psychology include Ulrich Neisser, George A. Miller, and Noam Chomsky, each contributing significantly to its foundation.

Ulrich Neisser, often referred to as the father of cognitive psychology, published the influential book Cognitive Psychology in 1967. In this work, he categorized essential topics such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving under the umbrella of cognition, arguing that focusing solely on behavior neglects a vast portion of human experience. Neisser's research primarily concentrated on perception and memory, establishing cognitive psychology as a distinct discipline.

George A. Miller, another pivotal figure, researched short-term memory capacity and language. He is well-known for the concept that humans can hold approximately seven items in their short-term memory, plus or minus two. This principle has become a foundational element in understanding memory limits.

Noam Chomsky, recognized as a founder of cognitive psychology and the father of modern linguistics, challenged behaviorist views on language acquisition. His critique of B.F. Skinner's behaviorist approach to language development in 1959 highlighted the inadequacies of reinforcement-based explanations. Chomsky's research on language acquisition and grammar significantly influenced the cognitive revolution, encouraging a deeper exploration of cognitive processes related to language.

In summary, cognitive psychology has evolved into a dominant field that seeks to understand the complexities of human thought and behavior, moving beyond the limitations of behaviorism to explore the intricate workings of the mind.

Cognitive Psychology Example 1

In the field of cognitive psychology, researchers focus on understanding mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. When evaluating potential research questions, it's essential to identify those that align with cognitive processes rather than those that pertain to developmental or social contexts.

For instance, a question regarding how prosocial behavior changes from childhood to adolescence is primarily developmental, focusing on growth and changes over time, which is not the central concern of cognitive psychology. Similarly, a question about the impact of culture on emotional expression leans towards social psychology, as it examines how social contexts influence behavior and feelings.

In contrast, the question regarding the strategies people use when problem-solving directly addresses cognitive processes. Problem-solving strategies are a fundamental aspect of cognitive psychology, as they involve the mental approaches individuals take to navigate challenges and find solutions. This inquiry aligns well with the cognitive psychologist's focus on understanding how people think and process information.

Lastly, a question about the development of stereotypes falls under social psychology, as it explores how societal influences shape perceptions and beliefs about groups. Therefore, the most appropriate research question for a cognitive psychologist would be the one that investigates problem-solving strategies, as it directly relates to cognitive functions and mental processes.

If a cognitive psychologist were to criticize a behaviorist, what might they say?

• A. Behaviorism is great because it focuses on the most important facet of humanity – behavior.
• B. By focusing entirely on behavior, we are limiting ourselves because most psychological phenomena happen in the mind.
• C. By focusing entirely on behavior, we fail to consider the social and cultural environment.
• D. We should be considering developmental change and stability when examining psychological phenomena.

Answer: (B)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is cognitive psychology and when did it emerge?

Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of mental processes, including perception, memory, language, and problem-solving. It emerged in the 1960s, influenced by the rise of computers and the decline of behaviorism. This shift, known as the cognitive revolution, marked a significant change in the field of psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding how humans perceive, think, remember, and solve problems. Key figures in the development of cognitive psychology include Ulrich Neisser, George A. Miller, and Noam Chomsky.

Who are the key figures in the development of cognitive psychology?

The key figures in the development of cognitive psychology include Ulrich Neisser, George A. Miller, and Noam Chomsky. Ulrich Neisser is often considered the father of cognitive psychology for his work in defining the field and his research on perception and memory. George A. Miller is known for his research on short-term memory capacity, particularly the concept that humans can hold about 7 items in their memory, plus or minus 2. Noam Chomsky is recognized for his critique of behaviorism and his contributions to the understanding of language acquisition and grammar, which helped to kickstart the cognitive revolution.

What was the cognitive revolution and why was it significant?

The cognitive revolution was a major shift in psychology that occurred in the 1960s, moving away from behaviorism and towards the study of mental processes. This revolution was inspired by the rise of computers and the idea that the mind could be understood in terms of information processing. The cognitive revolution was significant because it completely changed the face of psychology, leading to the development of cognitive psychology as a dominant field. It emphasized the importance of understanding how humans perceive, think, remember, and solve problems, and it laid the groundwork for much of the research and theories in psychology today.

How did Ulrich Neisser contribute to cognitive psychology?

Ulrich Neisser is often considered the father of cognitive psychology due to his significant contributions to the field. In 1967, he published a seminal book titled 'Cognitive Psychology,' in which he grouped together topics such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving under the umbrella term of cognition. This book helped to define the field and establish cognitive psychology as a formal area of study. Neisser's own research focused on perception and memory, and he was a strong critic of behaviorism, arguing that it missed much of the human experience by not examining mental processes.

What was George A. Miller's contribution to cognitive psychology?

George A. Miller made significant contributions to cognitive psychology, particularly in the areas of short-term memory capacity and language. He is best known for his research on the capacity of short-term memory, famously proposing that humans can hold about 7 items in their memory, plus or minus 2. This concept is often referred to as Miller's Law. Miller's work helped to advance the understanding of memory processes and laid the foundation for further research in cognitive psychology. He is considered one of the founders of the field and played a crucial role in its development.

How did Noam Chomsky's critique of behaviorism influence cognitive psychology?

Noam Chomsky's critique of behaviorism had a profound impact on the development of cognitive psychology. In 1959, Chomsky published a scathing critique of B.F. Skinner's behaviorist explanation of language acquisition, arguing that behaviorism could not adequately explain the complexities of language development. Chomsky's critique highlighted the limitations of behaviorism and emphasized the importance of studying mental processes. His work on language acquisition and grammar helped to shift the focus of psychology towards cognitive processes, contributing to the cognitive revolution and establishing cognitive psychology as a dominant field.