Cognitive Psychology

Definition

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. It views the mind as an information processor, similar to a computer, emphasizing how individuals encode, store, retrieve, and use information. This approach emerged in response to the limitations of behaviorism and focuses on internal mental states that influence behavior.

Example

A classic example in cognitive psychology is the Stroop Effect, which demonstrates how automatic processes can interfere with conscious control. When asked to name the color of the ink a word is printed in (e.g., the word “blue” printed in red ink), people often struggle, revealing the automatic nature of reading and the limits of selective attention.

Why It Matters

Cognitive psychology has transformed how we understand learning, memory, and mental functioning. It laid the foundation for fields like cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence and has practical applications in education, therapy, human-computer interaction, and decision-making. By uncovering how mental processes work, and sometimes fail, it helps improve everything from classroom instruction to user interface design.

Key Contributors

• Ulric Neisser – Often called the "father of cognitive psychology," Neisser's 1967 book Cognitive Psychology helped establish the field as a scientific discipline.

• Jean Piaget – Known for his stage theory of cognitive development, Piaget explored how children construct knowledge as they grow.

• George Miller – Famous for his research on working memory, especially the concept of “the magical number seven,” Miller played a key role in shifting psychology toward a cognitive framework.

• Elizabeth Loftus – A leading researcher in memory, Loftus demonstrated the malleability of human memory, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimony.

See Also

• Memory
• Cognitive Development
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Perception