describe two factors that led to the development of cognitive psychology and how these factors contributed

Answer 1

Cognitive psychology emerged as a distinct field in the mid-20th century, driven by several key factors. Two important ones are:

1. The Limits of Behaviorism:

   • Description: Behaviorism, which dominated psychology from the early 20th century, primarily focused on observable behaviors and the relationship between stimuli and responses, largely ignoring internal mental processes. However, researchers found that this framework could not adequately explain certain complex behaviors that seemed influenced by cognitive processes, such as language acquisition and problem-solving.
   • Contribution to Cognitive Psychology: The limitations of behaviorism led psychologists to seek alternative approaches that considered mental processes. In response, cognitive psychology began to focus on how people perceive, think, remember, and learn. This shift allowed for the development of theories and models that explained cognitive mechanisms, including attention, memory, and decision-making, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena.

2. Advancements in Technology:

   • Description: The mid-20th century saw significant technological advancements, particularly in computer science and neuroscience. The advent of computers provided a powerful metaphor for understanding the mind as an information-processing system. Additionally, advances in brain imaging techniques allowed researchers to study brain activity related to cognitive processes.
   • Contribution to Cognitive Psychology: These technological advancements offered new tools and frameworks for studying mental processes. The analogy of the mind as a computer inspired cognitive models that could simulate human thought processes. Moreover, brain imaging technologies enabled empirical research into the neural correlates of cognition, bridging the gap between psychology and neuroscience. This integration greatly enriched cognitive psychology, allowing for more rigorous experimentation and validation of theories related to cognition.

In summary, the limitations of behaviorism prompted a shift toward understanding internal mental processes, while advancements in technology provided both conceptual frameworks and research methodologies that facilitated the growth of cognitive psychology as a robust scientific discipline.