Psychology

Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the dynamics of the mind. It aims to produce explanations as to how the mind performs processes like thinking, remembering, and learning. These processes are explored to enable man to understand and improve our mental abilities.
Cognitive psychology is the product of the so-called cognitive revolution which occurred between the 1950s and 1960s.

There are several fundamental components discussed in the study of cognitive psychology. One of the more basic, and perhaps most studied, is the ability of man to learn. Learning is basically defined as man’s ability to acquire and retain information from his environment. Learning is a part of man’s ability to assimilate and adapt to his surrounding by forming new processes or cultivating the ones he previously learned to fit his present situation. The ability to learn goes hand in hand with one’s ability to perceive and remember various events and experiences; this is explained under the discussion of concept formation and memory. (Vanchevsky & Andrews 2006)

Concept formation and memory is almost inseparable from learning. Concept formation is the mind’s ability to receive and interpret data or images eventually connecting it appropriately to create a sensible string of idea. Memory, on the other hand, is the capacity of the brain to store interpreted images or data. Memory can either be short-term or long-term.

In addition to learning and memory, cognitive psychology also involves the study of language acquisition. Noam Chomsky’s Theory of Language further discusses how language is structured acquired and used. (Brown 2006)

As psychologists and researchers seek to improve the methods of the mind, they untangle both the observable differences and the underlying factors involved in cognition. However, cognitive psychologists do not merely utilize visible and noticeable cues in strengthening their theories, but they also use the scientific method and delve into the inner processes of the mind through the use of technology. (Willingham 2006)
Milestones in the development of cognitive psychology

Cognitive psychology is the product of the continuing rise and development of Modern Psychology. Beginning from the establishment of the first psychology laboratory in Germany, psychologists have incessantly studied the human mind and its effects in their aim to improve the quality of the life of men.
The rise and development of cognitive psychology starts with the cognitive revolution. It is one of the well-known periods in psychology, involving the paradigm shift from behavioral to cognitive perspective. Rather than continuing the studies focused on observing physical manifestations, psychologists and researchers began to attempt the unlocking of more mental capacities by seeking ways to produce more precise estimates through psychophysical assessments and the scientific method. (Balota & Marsh 2004)
Psychology is never obsolete as each new finding is connected to an old study and old findings continue to contribute to the improvement of new ideas.

Cognitive psychology differs from behavioral psychology in various ways. Most of the theories that originated from behaviorism base their argument on observable characteristics. Behaviorists claim that there is very little difference between the process that can be observed and the dynamics that occur inside the brain. Behaviorism includes the theories related to classical conditioning and almost completely shuns off the value of introspection in its research.

While behaviorists believe that a "black box" figuratively exists and prevents a total understanding of the brain, the cognitivists refuse to stop there. An effective metaphorical analysis of the brain function is introduced with the progress and productivity of the cognitive revolution. This is also known as the computer metaphor. Cognitive psychologists liken the brain to that of the computer emphasizing man's innate ability to process information much like the way a typical computer does.

However, as the discussion about the methods of information processing continues, it is argued that the human mind does not exactly have the functions compared to that of the computer. It is simply too crude to liken the brain to it because of far more sophisticated human processes that affect how man think and react.
Behavioral observation in cognitive psychology
The advent of cognitive revolution brought about a movement away from behavioral psychology. Attention had been turned to the role played by such factors as memory and problem solving. Behavioral observation, though, is not without its merits.

Behaviorism focuses on those activities which can be observed, as opposed to monitoring mental or internal processes. Behaviorism is concerned with visible stimuli or situations and how they relate to behavior that can be observed.

Voluntary behavior necessitates coming to a conclusion or a decision, and the willingness to elect a choice. Behavior may be based on the evaluation of perils and compensation that may or may not be encountered.
Behavior can be observed by studying how the person solves a problem or how they go after a target or an ambition.

Behavioral observation can also be vital to cognitive psychology. Problem solving, for one, involves attention, memory and learning. How to arrive at a solution entails the use of stored knowledge and the identification of patterns, even though they may be complex.

The pursuit of a goal requires perception, and this can be linked to areas in the brain that may be connected to operations involved with solving problem, passing judgments, and making a choice.
In the end, behavioral observation reflects mental or internal states and processes.