PYC3703
STUDY NOTES
, CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DEFINED
Cognitive Psychology: The study of how individuals perceive, learn, remember, and
think about information, focusing on internal mental processes that underlie human
behavior.
Dialectic: A developmental process through which ideas evolve, incorporating:
o Thesis: A proposed belief or starting concept.
o Antithesis: An opposing viewpoint that challenges the thesis.
o Synthesis: The integration of thesis and antithesis, forming a new, advanced
understanding that serves as the next thesis in the cycle.
o Culture: Significantly influences cognitive processes, such as intelligence and
perception.
Assumptions in Cognitive Psychology
The mind operates as an information processing system—often likened to a
computer.
o Capable of processing, storing, and retrieving symbolic information.
o Holds a vast but not limitless memory capacity.
o Operates with components analogous to “software” (mental processes) and
“hardware” (brain structure).
Cognitive psychology uses scientific methods to study internal mental processes
systematically, bypassing reliance on purely subjective or introspective approaches.
PHILOSOPHICAL ANTECEDENTS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: RATIONALISM VS.
EMPIRICISM
The roots of psychology trace back to two major fields: philosophy and physiology.
1. Rationalism (Plato)
o Knowledge is attained through thinking and logical analysis rather than
sensory observation.
o Reality lies in abstract concepts rather than observable phenomena.
o René Descartes: Advocated that sensory experiences can be misleading
(“Cogito, ergo sum” — "I think, therefore I am").
STUDY NOTES
, CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DEFINED
Cognitive Psychology: The study of how individuals perceive, learn, remember, and
think about information, focusing on internal mental processes that underlie human
behavior.
Dialectic: A developmental process through which ideas evolve, incorporating:
o Thesis: A proposed belief or starting concept.
o Antithesis: An opposing viewpoint that challenges the thesis.
o Synthesis: The integration of thesis and antithesis, forming a new, advanced
understanding that serves as the next thesis in the cycle.
o Culture: Significantly influences cognitive processes, such as intelligence and
perception.
Assumptions in Cognitive Psychology
The mind operates as an information processing system—often likened to a
computer.
o Capable of processing, storing, and retrieving symbolic information.
o Holds a vast but not limitless memory capacity.
o Operates with components analogous to “software” (mental processes) and
“hardware” (brain structure).
Cognitive psychology uses scientific methods to study internal mental processes
systematically, bypassing reliance on purely subjective or introspective approaches.
PHILOSOPHICAL ANTECEDENTS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: RATIONALISM VS.
EMPIRICISM
The roots of psychology trace back to two major fields: philosophy and physiology.
1. Rationalism (Plato)
o Knowledge is attained through thinking and logical analysis rather than
sensory observation.
o Reality lies in abstract concepts rather than observable phenomena.
o René Descartes: Advocated that sensory experiences can be misleading
(“Cogito, ergo sum” — "I think, therefore I am").
