Cognitivism Essay -- Psychology Essays

Cognitivism Cognitivism is considered the dominant approach in psychology today. The dramatic shift from behaviorism to cognitivism occurred in the early part of this light speed. After years of almost alone behaviorist research, psychologists and educators became discontent with the limitations of behaviorism. Although behaviorism encouraged observable and measurable research in the field of psychology, it did not incorporate mental events.This piece of music will render a general overview of the origin of cognitivism and a discussion of three widely accepted cognitive theoriesthe Atkinson-Shriffin stage model, Craik and Lockharts levels of processing theory, and the parallel distributed processing approach. Finally, this paper will briefly summarize some ways that cognitivism has influenced instructional design theories.Origin of CognitivismThe origin of cognitivism can be traced back to the early part of this century when the Gestalt psychologists of Germany, Edward Chase Tolm an of the United States, and Jean Piaget (1896-1980) of Switzerland had a tremendous influence on psychology and the shift from behaviorist theories. Behaviorists argued that mental events were impossible to observe and measure and could not therefore be studied objectively. Consequently behaviorists could not explain the ways learners attempt to make sense of what they learn. Cognitivists proposed that through empirical research and observation inferences could, indeed, be drawn about the internal, cognitive processes that produce responses. According to Matlin, Cognitive psychologists generally agree that the birth of cognitive psychology should be listed as 1956During this prolific year, a large number of researchers published influ... .... (1990). The childs conception of the world. New York Littlefield Adams.Piaget, J., Gruber, H. (Ed.), & Voneche, J.J. (Ed.). The essential Piaget (100th Annicersay Ed.). New York Jason Aronson.Renner and others. (1976).Schumaker, R. (1996). An niversary Jean PiagetA foundational thinker. UNESCO Courier, n11, 48-49.Scott, B. D. (1997). Constructivism Teaching for understanding of the Internet. communications of the ACM, v 40n10, 112-117.Striebel, M. (1995). Instructional plans and situationed learning. In G.J. Anglin (Ed.), Instructional technology Past, present, future (2nd ed). (ppl. 145-166). Englewood, CO Libraries Unlimited, Inc.Vygotsky, L. & Vygotsky, S. (1980). Mind in society The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge Harvard University Press.Vygotsky, L. (1986). Thought and language. capital of Massachusetts MIT Press.