Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of the internal mental processes involved in thinking, perception, memory and language. This approach is based on the premise that the human mind actively processes information and that these cognitive processes affect people's behavior.
Origins and development of cognitive psychology
Cognitive psychology emerged in the second half of the 20th century as a reaction to behavioral psychology, which focused on the study of observable behavior. Cognitive psychologists argued that to fully understand human behavior it was necessary to explore the internal processes that influenced it. One of the fundamental milestones in the emergence of cognitive psychology was the publication of the book "Mathematical Theory of Communication" by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver in 1949, which laid the foundations for the study of information and communication from a scientific perspective.
Main theories of cognitive psychology
In cognitive psychology there are various theories that seek to explain how mental processes work and how they influence human behavior. Some of the most important theories are:
1. Information Processing Theory
This theory, developed by psychologists George Miller, James Anderson, and Ulric Neisser in the 1950s, posits that the human mind processes information in a manner similar to a computer, through data input, processing and output. According to this theory, individuals actively process information from their environment, using attention, perception, memory and other cognitive processes to interpret it and make decisions.
2. Schema Theory
This theory, proposed by psychologists Jean Piaget and Bartlett, maintains that the human mind organizes information into mental structures called schemas. Schemas are patterns or frames of reference that guide the interpretation of new information and the integration with prior knowledge. According to this theory, schemas influence people's perception, memory, and reasoning.
Main authors in cognitive psychology
Cognitive psychology has been developed by numerous researchers throughout throughout its history. Some of the most prominent authors in this field are:
1. George A. Miller (1909-2012)
George A. Miller was an American psychologist known for his contributions to cognitive psychology. He is especially recognized for his theory of information processing and his research on human memory. Miller was also an advocate of the interdisciplinary approach in psychology, collaborating with experts from various disciplines to address complex problems holistically.
2. Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who pioneered the study of cognitive development in children. His theory of cognitive development posits that children go through distinct stages of thinking and reasoning as they mature, from the sensorimotor stage to the formal operations stage. Piaget conducted extensive research to understand how children acquire knowledge and how their thinking develops over time.
3. Ulric Neisser (1928-2012)
Ulric Neisser was an American psychologist considered one of the founding fathers of modern cognitive psychology. Neisser was a pioneer in the study of visual cognition, perception, and memory. He is known for his book "Cognition and Reality" in which he addresses the relationship between perception and cognition, arguing that perception is a constructive activity that involves the active interpretation of sensory information.
Conclusions
Cognitive psychology is a fascinating discipline that explores mental processes and their influence on human behavior. Throughout its history, it has evolved thanks to the contributions of prominent researchers who have helped to better understand how we think, perceive, remember and communicate. The study of cognitive psychology remains relevant today, as it allows us to understand the complexity of the human mind and apply that knowledge to improve people's quality of life.