Cognitive Psychology Defined

Essay by imfrvUniversity, Bachelor'sA, April 2011

download word file, 5 pages 0.0

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Cognitive Psychology Defined

Valerie Ridley

PSY/360

February 14, 2011

Yelena Gidenko

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Abstract�

To define cognitive psychology in terms of the everyday person, it is the study of behavior influenced by the mental process of the brain. The exploration of this topic starts with the psychologists which were the key milestones in the development of cognitive psychology. Also there is a newer theory of Positive Psychology that was introduced to cognitive psychology in 1998. Cognitive psychology is developed through the work of psychologists and new theories put into motion and testing these theories in blind studies and group studies. Defined as "Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember and learn" ("Cognitive Psychology," 2011).

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Cognitive Psychology Defined

The following are five key contributors to the study of Cognitive Psychology.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was among the first to encourage the closer inspection of the unconscious mind. Scientists began looking at the influences that affect a person's behavioral and thinking patterns. A Sigmund Freud (2001), according to Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, personality theory presented by Freud was centered mainly on the unconscious. These theories focused specifically on defense mechanisms and today this theory helps the therapist properly assess and work in conjunction with their patients and creates individual treatment plans for each individual focused on his or her individual needs.

Alfred Adler (1870-1937) focused on human beings and the social contexts through holistic theory and the humanistic approach to cognitive psychology. The groundwork of this theory deals with children in classroom settings because its emphasis is on learning and it environment. Alder contended that nurture influences whom one is and who...