Question

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the study of ____. a. human development b. human thinking c. human behavior d. human society

Short answer

b. human thinking

Step-by-step solution

Recognize the type of question

This is a 'fill in the blank' type of question. The objective is to identify which option accurately completes the given statement about cognitive psychology.

Understand Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology focuses on studying the mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember, and learn. It is concerned with cognition, the processes of the mind that underlie behavior, including thinking, problem solving, memory, and language.

Match with the Options

Once the concept of cognitive psychology is understood, the next step is to correlate the options given with the definition. And determine which option matches the definition.

Key concepts

Mental Processes

Cognitive psychology delves into the intricate operations of the human mind, also known as mental processes. These processes encompass a range of functions that our brains perform on a daily basis, such as perceiving our environment, conceptualizing ideas, and reasoning through problems. Understanding mental processes is fundamental to comprehending how we interact with the world around us.

For students struggling with this concept, envisage your brain as a computer, ceaselessly processing information. This includes the intake of new data, interpreting it, and finally storing it for future reference. Just like a computer runs programs, our brains utilize cognitive functions to operate effectively in daily tasks.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is a key facet of cognitive psychology that pertains to how we identify and surmount obstacles. It involves several stages: initially, recognizing that a problem exists; secondly, developing potential strategies for tackling the issue; and finally, systematically testing these strategies until a solution is found.

To elucidate, imagine encountering a math problem you've never seen before. You begin by understanding the problem, then brainstorming methods (like formulas or equations) that might help solve it, trying each method one-by-one, and adjusting your approach as necessary until you successfully resolve the problem.

Memory

Memory is another cornerstone of cognitive psychology, focusing on how information is encoded, stored, and later retrieved in the brain. Memory is typically divided into three types: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Sensory memory holds information from our senses for a very brief period. Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is where we hold information temporarily while we use it. Long-term memory is for storing information over extended periods, even a lifetime. For example, you could think of short-term memory as a sticky note with a quick reminder, while long-term memory is more like a detailed file saved securely in a filing cabinet.

Language

Language, in cognitive psychology, refers to the systems of symbols and rules that allow us to communicate and understand others. It involves various components, including phonetics, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.

Consider language as a toolkit. Phonetics is concerning the sounds we produce; semantics deals with the meanings of words; syntax refers to the structure of sentences; and pragmatics looks at how context influences meaning. Together, these elements enable us to construct meaningful sentences, engage in conversations, and essentially, connect with others through the power of speech and writing.