Cognitive psychologists specialize in the mental functions linked to learning, memory retention, decision-making, reasoning, information processing, sensory perception, and human cognition. Academic disciplines related to cognitive psychology include linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience. Cognitive psychologists involved in research seek to develop strategies to enhance memory retention, improve learning, and increase the ability to process information. The use of cognitive therapies is a relatively new phenomenon. Before the 1970's, psychological theories and practices were dominated by behaviorism. Once behaviorism began to diminish in importance, more psychologists began to focus on such concepts as problem solving, memory retention, and learning. They also utilized cognitive research methods and processing models to conduct their research. Today, more researchers are taking into account genetic and evolutionary factors while conducting their research. The following are in-depth explanations of the main focuses of cognitive psychologists:
Education and Training Cognitive psychologists practicing clinically and conducting research hold doctoral degrees. It takes about 4-5 years following undergraduate study to earn a PhD in cognitive psychology, and most graduate students complete an internship before finishing a degree program. Most students enrolled in cognitive psychology degree programs are required to complete courses in research methodologies, social psychology, behaviorism, neuroscience, cognitive learning, statistics, and sociology. |
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Southern New Hampshire University
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