PL1S130 Cognitive Psychology Assignment Sample

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Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Assignment Sample

Cognitive psychology refers to the study of understanding the way the human brain works. Cognition is the mental process of gaining information and ideas through perceiving different experiences in human life (Brasiby and Gellatly, 2012). Psychology can be referred to as the study of human behaviour in several conditions. The areas chosen in this field are attention and perception. This essay will cover the understanding of cognitive psychology and the different theories based on it, a topic often explored with support from Online Assignment Help UK for academic clarity. Further, it will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these theories. Finally, it will discuss the application of these approaches in the real world through relevant examples.

Main Body

Cognitive psychology

Cognitive psychology studies the process through which the human mind behaves, understands, acquires and stores information. This varies from the way people pay attention to things to how they perceive them in their minds (Sanborn, 2022). It focuses on memory, language learning and thinking, decision making and understanding the process of the brain by relating them to emotions. This is mainly understood in the children and people who are expressing some distress in the working. There are various aspects to understand in this area such as individual attention and perception. Attention refers to the capability to obtain information by staying active in the surroundings. This shows the way the person is attentive to their environment and external factors.

PL1S130 Cognitive Psychology Assignment Sample

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Cognitive psychology was considered to be necessary for the study between 1970 and 1980. This is essential in developing the life areas and improves the quality of life by understanding the human brain and various processes. Various new technologies are being used to test brain functioning such as MRI (McNally, 2024). This test helps the experts to analyse brain activity and the way it can impact the well-being of the individual. Perception is another aspect that is to be studied in this field which tells about the way the person forms beliefs and opinions about the situations. Perception is based on personal differences and also establishes the relation between the stimuli and senses that help in experiencing the situations.

Cognitive ability to attention refers to the capability of an individual to stay focused and avoid any distractions. It keeps the person alert in the present movement by avoiding disruptions and helps in decision-making and resolving issues. This work is based on various theories which support the study of cognitive psychology.

Theories

There are various theories of cognitive psychology such as Cognitive development (Piaget) theory and Cognitive dissonance theory.

Cognitive development theory: It was developed was the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in 1936. It states that the child moves from the different stages in the process of learning. Sanborn, (2022) mentioned that this postulates not only the stages of gaining knowledge but also the intelligence of a child. According to this approach, the children move from the four stages which are the sensorimotor from birth to 2 years, followed by the preoperational stage from 2 to 7 years of age. The concrete operational stage is between 7 to 11 and the formal operational stage ages from 12 and up. The children take active participation in the learning process from their surroundings and based on that acquire new information and develop. The children gain knowledge through the various senses (Very Well Mind, 2024). The theory works based on the qualitative procedure by focusing on the way the kids think and process knowledge.

Multiple concepts are schemas, assimilation, accommodation and equilibrium. Schema involves actions both mentally and physically where it helps to form an understanding about the surroundings through attention and forms perception according to that. However, Thompson (2021) explained that this gained knowledge is supposed to change with time as the person is involved in new conditions and life experiences. This experience makes the children believe what is seen by them as a reality and update it with the observation in the future which is known as assimilation (Simply Psychology, 2023). The existing information gets updated in the person through the accommodation process. Equilibrium refers to the balance of acquired knowledge and newly adapted one and helps in the further development of the child.

There are certain strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive development theory. According to Wallsten (2024), this theory is effective in gaining knowledge on development from birth to young age. It is applied to practical life situations to solve the problems in a child. This theory is based on observation of each stage where detailed information can be obtained for a better understanding of the child's mind. On the other hand, Claxton (2025) contradicted that it has several weakness which limits its uses and application. This work is based on making the simple assumption about the situations which cannot be applied to the complex life conditions and child development stages where it observes and forms perceptions. It also lacks the proper consideration of the newborn understanding of the materials and objects (Wiener and Pazzaglia, 2021). The sample size is restrictive while using this approach and is limited to geographical boundaries that do not focus on the cultural diversity of the people.

Cognitive Dissonance: It states that the person may experience conflict with the beliefs, values and attitude. As per the view of Cerulo et al, (2021), this can be experienced by the child as there may be conflicts with the child's thinking and what has been taught to them. The cognitive dissonance is based on the person’s actions and beliefs that may conflict with the something that is considered to be right. This approach was developed by Leon Festinger, an American social psychologist in 1957. The theory reflects that it can be contradicting as the thoughts do not match with what is assumed to be fundamentally true and correct. This work is based on four components which include not confirming the beliefs, necessary adherence, the person's choice to decide and justification of the actions. In children, it can start from the age where they start forming an understanding of the world and it leads to different experiences by paying attention to them and making perceptions.

There are several strengths of this approach such as focusing on the cognition of the social behaviour. In the opinion of Huang (2021), contemplated that this social psychology leads to the development of positive behaviour in individuals. This can help in building a positive self-perception and image and results in changes that can be beneficial for the individuals (Rosenbaum, 2024). It also benefits in understanding human behaviour and developing the knowledge about the thoughts and actions variations due to personality differences. However, Ramesh (2022) stated that the theory helps in the decision-making process by making it better and based on what is considered to be correct. Further, it is beneficial in improving the communication between the individuals and children where it helps in the expression of the thoughts and gaining knowledge about the behaviours.

Cognitive dissonance theory is considered to be one of the significant discoveries that have had major impacts on the psychology of people. Weimer and Palermo (2024) contradicted that this has many weaknesses as there is a lack of predictions about the change in the behaviour of the person. It also does not provide ways that can lead to a change in the behaviour and thoughts of the individual. Moreover, Heyes (2024) contended that this also lacks validity and testing as the results and evidence cannot be presented with complete assurance. This approach works on the selective conditions and has limited scope to certain ideas and conditions.

Application of the theory

Cognitive development theory (Piaget): This works based on the child's experiences as he grows and develops. As per the views of Snow and Farr, (2024), the child through attention perceives the information and starts forming the perceptions about them. This can be applied in the various practical life situations. For example, it helps in understanding the development process of the child and equipping them with the needs of the child for better future growth. Cognitive growth differs and it leads to the level of intelligence that has been acquired by the child throughout the growing stages (Sablé-Meyer et al, 2022). This can be beneficial in the child-centred classroom implementation where the whole focus is placed on the children and teaching is provided for better learning. For making the pupil attentive various colours and visual designs can be used so that the pupil can adapt to what has been taught effectively.

Based on the cognitive theory the way the child perceives things can be influenced. Pakpahan and Saragih (2022) stated that there are methods that can be used for the process of children's growth. The perception is based on the surroundings and education of the child which starts from the early age of the toddlers. Cognitive development theory can be used in a manner that manipulates the objects and builds the focusing power of the learner (Pothos and Busemeyer, 2022). The different shapes of toys and the use of puzzles can be effective in improving the concentration of the pupils. Several activities impact the child's perception regarding the experiences. The learners are supposed to have the freedom to make decisions based on their views and must not impose others' thoughts onto them. It is beneficial to increase the involvement and group engagement for the kids so that they can accept the differences in society.

The foundation of a child is set right after birth from when the new born starts obtaining the objects in the mind. This may be impacted by the parents, family, friends, other children, etc. and place great influence on the perception.

Cognitive dissonance theory: It can be applied in life situations where it involves teaching, education, therapy, etc. Providing education, can emphasise the evaluation of the existing beliefs of the child and lead to the development of critical thinking. Kirshner and Whitson, (2021) mentioned that the child when presented with a thought that does not meet with the perceived one can lead to difficulty in making decisions. For example, the child wants to play but is told to first complete the studies which can challenge the child's ability to decide and create conflicting situations (Klahr and Wallace, 2022). This leads to the situation of whether to choose to play or complete the studies and shows the presence of cognitive dissonance.

There can be situations where the kid is given new objects but due to their familiarity with the old, it more resonates with the old one. For instance, there can be a dilemma the kid might encounter and difficulty in selecting one out of the options provided. This is perceived behaviour in the children that can be influenced by gaining attention towards the new item given which can be more visually attractive and appealing. Using the approach the individual behaviour can be impacted by the teacher for the student’s better learning (Watt, 2022). Cognitive dissonance theory can help develop the child's intelligence and decision-making power for the future as well.

For example, the situation of cognitive dissonance may be faced by the children when they want some toy from their friend and they know that taking it without permission would be wrong. In that condition, it may be conflicting that the child may suffer mental dilemma and pressure in choosing what to do (Kirshner and Whitson, 2021). These types of experiences form the base for the child that leads to the later development of the thoughts and perceptions in them. This is how the approach helps in understanding the behaviour of the child and addressing the situation by providing support for the same.

Conclusion

From the above essay, it can be summarized that cognitive psychology refers to the study of the human brain in information gathering, perceiving and understanding based on the different experiences in life. There are several theories based on this concept that are Cognitive development (Piaget) and Cognitive dissonance theory. Cognitive development (Piaget) states that children perceive their thoughts, attitudes, beliefs based on their different experiences as they grow. Moreover, the Cognitive dissonance theory reflects that beliefs, values and thoughts contradict when presented with different ideas. It can cause the situation of dilemmas and create issues in decision-making.

References

Books and Journals

• Bebane, S. M. N. T. (2021). Jean Piaget as a Pioneer of Modern Psychology: Critical Review. Zanco Journal of Human Sciences, 25(5), 335-339.
• Brasiby, N. and Gellatly A. (Eds) (2012). Cognitive Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Cerulo, K. A., Leschziner, V., & Shepherd, H. (2021). Rethinking culture and cognition. Annual Review of Sociology, 47(1), 63-85.
• Claxton, G. (Ed.). (2025). Cognitive psychology: New directions. Taylor & Francis.
• Heyes, C. (2024). Rethinking norm psychology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 19(1), 12-38.
• Huang, Y. C. (2021, May). Comparison and contrast of Piaget and Vygotsky’s Theories. In 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science Research (ICHSSR 2021) (pp. 28-32). Atlantis Press.
• Kirshner, D., & Whitson, J. A. (2021). Editors' introduction to situated cognition: Social, semiotic, and psychological perspectives. In Situated Cognition (pp. 1-16). Routledge.
• Kirshner, D., & Whitson, J. A. (Eds.). (2021). Situated cognition: Social, semiotic, and psychological perspectives. Taylor & Francis.
• Klahr, D., & Wallace, J. G. (2022). Cognitive development: An information-processing view. Taylor & Francis.
• McNally, R. J. (2024). The return of repression? Evidence from cognitive psychology. Topics in cognitive science, 16(4), 661-674.
• Pakpahan, F. H., & Saragih, M. (2022). Theory of cognitive development by jean Piaget. Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2(1), 55-60.
• Pothos, E. M., & Busemeyer, J. R. (2022). Quantum cognition. Annual review of psychology, 73(1), 749-778.
• Ramesh, S. (2022). The theories of cognitive development. In The Political Economy of Human Behaviour and Economic Development: Psychology and Economic Development (pp. 143-180). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
• Rosenbaum, D. A. (2024). The Cinderella of psychology: The neglect of motor control in the science of mental life and behaviour. In Cognitive Control of Action (pp. 136-155). Routledge.
• Sablé-Meyer, M., Ellis, K., Tenenbaum, J., & Dehaene, S. (2022). A language of thought for the mental representation of geometric shapes. Cognitive Psychology, 139, 101527.
• Sanborn, F. (2022). A cognitive psychology of mass communication. Routledge.
• Snow, R. E., & Farr, M. J. (2021). Cognitive-Conative-Affective Processes in Aptitude, Learning, and Instruction An Introduction. In Aptitude, learning, and instruction (pp. 1-10). Routledge.
• Thompson, M. J. (2021). Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development and Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. In Child and adolescent mental health (pp. 55-59). CRC Press.
• Wallsten, T. S. (Ed.). (2024). Cognitive processes in choice and decision behaviour. Taylor & Francis.
• Watt, R. (2022). Visual processing: computational psychophysical and cognitive research. Psychology Press.
• Weimer, W. B., & Palermo, D. S. (Eds.). (2024). Cognition and the symbolic processes. Taylor & Francis.
• Wiener, J. M., & Pazzaglia, F. (2021). Ageing-and dementia-friendly design: theory and evidence from cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and environmental psychology can contribute to design guidelines that minimise spatial disorientation. Cognitive processing, 22(4), 715-730.

Online

• Simply psychology, (2023). What Is Cognitive Dissonance Theory? Online. Available through: https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html>.
• Very well mind, (2024). Piaget's 4 Stages of Cognitive Development Explained. Online. Available through: https://www.verywellmind.com/piagets-stages-of-cognitive-development-2795457>.