61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore
Last updated
11 January 2024
Reviewed by
Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L
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Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.
We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.
- How to choose a psychology research topic
Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data.
Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:
Focus on a particular area of psychology
The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study.
Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments.
This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.
Read the latest clinical studies
Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic.
This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects.
For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.
Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions
Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore.
Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.)
Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore.
If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.
- 61 psychology topics to research in 2024
Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.
- Psychology research topics for university students
As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique.
Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:
Mental health in post-secondary students
Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper.
Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:
Student mental health status during exam season
Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major
The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life
The impacts of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces.
Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:
The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem
Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying
Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms
Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults
The long-term effects of cyberbullying
- Clinical psychology research topics
If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:
Chronic pain and mental health
Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health.
Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:
The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression
Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders
Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management
The long-term effects of insomnia
Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide.
This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities.
Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:
The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity
Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity
The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders
Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia
The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications
Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms
The efficacy of mental health treatment options
Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project.
Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:
The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety
The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions
Music therapy for mental health disorders
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression
- Controversial psychology research paper topics
If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:
The impact of social media and digital platforms
Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health.
Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:
The effect of edited images on self-confidence
How social media platforms impact social behavior
Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence
Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation
The development of digital friendships
Psychotropic medications for mental health
In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature.
Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:
The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety
The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis
Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions
Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management
The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions
- Mental health disorder research topics
As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research.
While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:
Anxiety and depression disorders
Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders.
Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:
Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness
C-PTSD symptoms and causes
The development of phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms
Depression triggers and causes
Self-care tools and resources for depression
The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research.
Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:
Early signs of bipolar disorder
The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults
The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options
Bipolar medication side effects
Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar
Schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research.
Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:
The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations
Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder
The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations
Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder
- Societal and systematic psychology research topics
Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level.
Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:
Access to mental health services
While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable.
This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated.
Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:
Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources
Access to crisis lines by location
Wait times for emergency mental health services
Inequities in mental health access based on income and location
Insurance coverage for mental health services
Systemic racism and mental health
Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.
Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.
Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include:
Access to mental health resources based on race
The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area
The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth
Racism training for mental health workers
The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups
LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns
Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.
Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:
Mental health supports for queer teens and children
The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health
The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community
The benefits of queer mentorship and found family
Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults
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Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics
This page provides a comprehensive list of cognitive psychology research paper topics , curated to inspire and assist students in their exploration of how humans perceive, remember, think, speak, and solve problems. Cognitive psychology, a discipline pivotal to understanding the intricacies of the human mind, encompasses a wide array of fascinating topics that delve into the mental processes underlying our daily functioning and well-being. From investigating the mechanisms of memory and the complexities of language acquisition to exploring the influence of emotion on cognition and the application of cognitive principles in technology, these topics offer students a rich terrain for academic inquiry. Designed to cater to a broad spectrum of interests and academic objectives, this list serves as a starting point for students aiming to contribute meaningful insights into the cognitive processes that define human experience.
100 Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics
Cognitive psychology stands at the forefront of exploring the vast capabilities and intricacies of the human mind, offering profound insights into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This branch of psychology delves into how people understand, diagnose, and interact with the world around them, influencing various aspects of human functioning and societal development. The research topics within cognitive psychology are as varied as they are dynamic, reflecting the continuous evolution of the field in response to new scientific discoveries and technological advancements. From the fundamental processes of perception and memory to the complex interplay between emotion and cognition, these topics not only contribute to our scientific knowledge but also have practical applications in education, mental health, artificial intelligence, and beyond.
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- The psychology of visual illusions
- Cross-modal perception and sensory integration
- The impact of aging on sensory processing
- Auditory perception and its cognitive implications
- The role of attention in shaping perception
- Taste, smell, and flavor perception
- Sensory deprivation and its effects on cognition
- Perception of pain and its cognitive modulation
- The neuroscience of touch
- Multisensory experiences and their cognitive effects
- Short-term versus long-term memory processes
- The effects of sleep on memory consolidation
- Autobiographical memory and self-identity
- Cognitive strategies to enhance memory retention
- The role of emotion in memory formation and recall
- False memories and their implications
- The cognitive neuroscience of working memory
- Memory disorders and cognitive rehabilitation
- The impact of technology on memory skills
- Eyewitness memory and cognitive psychology
- Models of attention and cognitive processing
- The impact of multitasking on cognitive performance
- Attentional biases and their psychological implications
- Cognitive load theory and information processing
- The role of attention in learning and memory
- Neural mechanisms underlying attention
- Distraction and cognitive control mechanisms
- The psychology of vigilance and sustained attention
- Attention deficits and hyperactivity disorders
- Selective attention and perceptual filtering
- The cognitive basis of language development
- Bilingualism and cognitive flexibility
- Language disorders and cognitive psychology
- The relationship between thought and language
- Cognitive neuroscience of reading and literacy
- Language processing in the brain
- Pragmatics and cognitive implications of language use
- The role of language in categorization and concept formation
- Sign language and cognitive processing
- Cognitive aspects of language evolution
- Cognitive strategies in problem-solving
- Decision-making processes and biases
- The psychology of judgment and choice
- Heuristics and cognitive shortcuts
- The role of intuition in decision-making
- Problem-solving in groups versus individually
- Cognitive biases and their impact on decision quality
- Risk assessment and decision-making under uncertainty
- The neuroscience of decision-making
- Creativity and cognitive processes in problem-solving
- Stages of cognitive development in children
- Cognitive theories of learning and instruction
- The role of play in cognitive development
- Adolescent cognitive development and risk-taking behavior
- Adult learning and cognitive change
- The impact of cognitive styles on learning outcomes
- Cognitive development in aging populations
- The role of technology in cognitive learning processes
- Cognitive enhancers and their impact on learning
- Metacognition and self-regulated learning
- Cognitive aspects of Alzheimer’s disease
- The neuropsychology of Parkinson’s disease
- Cognitive impairments in traumatic brain injury
- Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults
- Autism spectrum disorders and cognitive functioning
- The impact of stroke on cognitive functions
- Dementia and cognitive interventions
- Mild cognitive impairment and its progression
- Cognitive rehabilitation techniques for neurocognitive disorders
- The influence of emotion on cognitive processes
- Cognitive appraisal theories of emotion
- The role of cognition in emotional regulation
- Emotional intelligence and cognitive abilities
- The neuroscience of emotions and feelings
- Mood disorders and cognitive functioning
- The impact of stress on cognitive performance
- Emotion-cognition interactions in decision-making
- The cognitive psychology of happiness and well-being
- Emotional memory and its persistence
- Cognitive biases in social judgment and perception
- Theory of mind and perspective-taking
- Social cognition in interpersonal relationships
- The role of stereotypes in cognitive processing
- Cognitive underpinnings of prejudice and discrimination
- Social identity and cognition
- Moral reasoning and cognitive psychology
- The cognitive basis of empathy and altruism
- Social cognition and group dynamics
- Cognitive approaches to understanding social influence
- Cognitive psychology in human-computer interaction
- Virtual reality and its cognitive implications
- The impact of social media on cognition and social behavior
- Cognitive psychology principles in user experience design
- Artificial intelligence and cognitive modeling
- Gaming and cognitive skill development
- Cognitive training apps and their effectiveness
- Neurotechnology and cognitive enhancement
- The role of cognitive psychology in digital education
- Wearable technology and cognitive monitoring
The exploration of cognitive psychology research paper topics presents an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the mechanisms that underpin human cognition and behavior. Each category and topic not only contributes to the rich tapestry of cognitive psychology but also holds the potential for groundbreaking research that can influence educational practices, therapeutic approaches, and policy development. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with these topics, leveraging their curiosity and analytical skills to advance the field and contribute valuable insights into the complex world of human cognition.
What is Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Psychology as a Discipline
The development of cognitive psychology marked a significant shift from the behaviorist perspective that dominated psychology for much of the early 20th century, which largely ignored mental processes. Instead, cognitive psychology focuses on understanding internal mental states and processes, utilizing this understanding to explain behavioral patterns. This focus on the internal workings of the mind has not only expanded the scope of psychological research but has also had practical applications in various fields such as education, mental health, artificial intelligence, and more, demonstrating the discipline’s broad impact.
The Importance of Research in Expanding Our Understanding of Cognitive Processes
Research in cognitive psychology plays a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the human mind and behavior. Through empirical studies, experiments, and longitudinal research, cognitive psychologists seek to build a body of knowledge about how cognitive processes work, how they change over time, and how they can be improved or altered. This research is fundamental to developing new theories of cognition that can explain complex human behaviors and cognitive anomalies.
One of the key contributions of cognitive psychology research is the development of models that describe various cognitive processes. For example, research on memory has led to the formulation of the multi-store model, which outlines how information flows from sensory memory to short-term memory and finally to long-term memory. Similarly, studies on decision-making and problem-solving have introduced several cognitive biases that influence human judgment, such as confirmation bias and availability heuristic. These models and theories are crucial for understanding the limitations and capabilities of human cognition, informing approaches in education, cognitive therapy, and even interface design in technology.
Moreover, cognitive psychology research has a significant impact on diagnosing and treating cognitive disorders. Studies on neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), provide insights into their cognitive underpinnings, leading to better diagnostic criteria and treatment options. Research in this field also supports the development of cognitive rehabilitation techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapies, demonstrating its vital role in improving mental health and cognitive function.
The Variety of Research Topics within Cognitive Psychology and Their Relevance to Real-World Applications
Cognitive psychology encompasses a wide array of research topics, each with direct implications for real-world applications. For instance, research in perception and sensation enhances our understanding of how sensory information is interpreted by the brain, influencing fields such as marketing, design, and even virtual reality development. Studies on attention and information processing have led to improvements in educational strategies, helping to develop teaching methods that align with cognitive load theory and the attentional needs of students.
Language and cognition research has profound implications for language teaching methodologies, speech therapy, and understanding language disorders. Insights from this research help in designing interventions for individuals with dyslexia or aphasia, facilitating better communication and learning outcomes. Additionally, the study of problem-solving and decision-making is pivotal for the development of artificial intelligence, providing algorithms with models of human cognition that can be simulated in computational systems.
The exploration of memory and recall has applications in legal settings, especially in eyewitness testimony and the reliability of memory. Cognitive psychology’s findings on the malleability of human memory and the conditions under which memories are accurately or inaccurately recalled are crucial for informing judicial processes and policies. Furthermore, the study of social cognition, which examines how individuals perceive, think about, and interact with others, is essential for understanding social behavior, improving interpersonal relationships, and addressing societal issues such as prejudice and discrimination.
Recent Advancements in Cognitive Psychology Research
Recent advancements in cognitive psychology research have been facilitated by technological innovations, allowing for more sophisticated exploration of cognitive processes. Neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans have provided insights into the neural substrates of various cognitive functions, bridging the gap between cognitive psychology and neuroscience. These advancements have led to a deeper understanding of how different brain regions are involved in specific cognitive tasks, such as memory recall or language processing.
Additionally, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in cognitive research has opened new avenues for analyzing large datasets, leading to more nuanced understandings of cognitive patterns and anomalies. This intersection of cognitive psychology and computational modeling has also advanced the development of intelligent systems capable of mimicking human cognitive functions, from language understanding to pattern recognition.
Another significant advancement is in the realm of cognitive enhancement, where research is exploring ways to improve cognitive functions through pharmacological means, cognitive training exercises, and even non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. These studies hold the potential for significant impacts on education, mental health treatment, and the general enhancement of cognitive abilities in healthy individuals.
Ethical Issues Inherent in Cognitive Psychology Research
Cognitive psychology research, while offering vast potential for understanding and enhancing human cognition, also presents several ethical considerations. Issues such as informed consent, privacy, and the potential for misuse of cognitive data are paramount concerns. The use of neuroimaging and other biometric data, for instance, raises questions about the privacy of mental states and the potential for such information to be used in ways that could infringe on individual rights or autonomy.
Additionally, the ethical implications of cognitive enhancement and the potential societal impacts of creating disparities between those who have access to cognitive enhancement technologies and those who do not are areas of ongoing debate. Cognitive psychology researchers must navigate these ethical waters carefully, ensuring that their work promotes the welfare and dignity of all individuals while advancing scientific knowledge.
Future Directions for Research in Cognitive Psychology
The future of cognitive psychology research promises further integration with neuroscience, the application of advanced computational models, and the exploration of how cognitive processes evolve in a rapidly changing digital world. An exciting direction for future research is the investigation of how digital technologies, such as smartphones and social media, are affecting cognitive development, attention spans, and social cognition. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate potential negative effects while harnessing technology’s power to enhance cognitive function.
Another area of future research is the exploration of individual differences in cognition, understanding how genetic, environmental, and cultural factors contribute to the diversity of cognitive processes among individuals. This line of research holds the promise of personalizing educational and therapeutic approaches to cater to individual cognitive profiles.
The Transformative Potential of Research in Cognitive Psychology
Research in cognitive psychology holds transformative potential for numerous aspects of human life, from education and mental health to technology and social interaction. By continuing to explore the intricacies of cognitive processes and their neural underpinnings, cognitive psychology can contribute to a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. The ongoing exploration of cognitive phenomena not only enriches our knowledge of the mind but also translates into practical applications that can improve individual well-being and societal health. As cognitive psychology advances, its research continues to shape our world, demonstrating the enduring power of understanding the human mind.
iResearchNet’s Writing Services
In the intricate and evolving field of cognitive psychology, where the depth and breadth of research topics extend far into the understanding of the human mind, iResearchNet stands as a beacon of support for students embarking on their academic journey. Recognizing the challenges students face in navigating the complex landscape of cognitive psychology research, iResearchNet offers bespoke writing services tailored to meet the unique needs of each research endeavor. Our mission is to facilitate your academic success by providing customized, high-quality research papers that reflect the latest advancements and ethical standards in cognitive psychology.
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Dive into the depths of cognitive psychology with confidence and let iResearchNet be your guide to academic excellence. Our expert writing services are specifically designed to cater to your cognitive psychology research paper needs, ensuring that your exploration into the human mind is not only insightful but also academically rewarding. Whether you’re unraveling the complexities of memory, perception, decision-making, or any other area within this fascinating field, our team is here to support your academic journey every step of the way.
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32 Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics
Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023
The study of cognitive psychology focuses on how the brain processes and stores information. The underlying mechanisms are investigated using experimental methods, computer modelling, and neuropsychology.
The goal of brain theories is to understand how information is encoded at the macro and micro levels. Since this is a vast subject, there are numerous possible research areas you can choose from. You may further explore our selection if you wish to focus on cognitive psychology for your dissertation.
Related Academic Links: Neuro Psychology Dissertation Topics , Clinical Psychology Topics , Counselling Psychology Dissertation Topics , Forensic Psychology Dissertation Topics
Below Are Some Selected Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics
- Describe the consequences of autism.
- Using fMRI measures, can misleading information be accurately identified and separated from guilty knowledge?
- How does colour psychology work in research on cognitive development?
- How is attention span measured, and what does it mean?
- How do memories impact how people behave?
- According to the Network Neuroscience Theory, is general human intelligence a result of individual variances in brain network architecture and structure?
- What elements can help kids’ problem-solving skills develop?
- How does the development of cognition impact speech disorders?
- Effective cognition involves choosing the proper information at the proper time and in the proper order.
- Does subliminal perception exist, or does it only apply to certain circumstances?
- Information flow and parallel distributed processing hierarchy explained.
- The applicability of cognitive psychology research findings to actual behaviour and cognition, as well as their reliability, validity, and utility.
- Factors that may cause a child’s mental development to be delayed.
- What is the single parenting style best for a child’s mental development? The impact of romantic movies on children?
- The gradual activation of forwarding brain regions is necessary for attention.
- View-dependent theories of vision outperform view-independent theories in explaining natural perception.
- Computer simulations of vision can cause people to misunderstand how the mechanisms of perception truly work.
- How visual illusions to aid in the understanding of perception.
- Evidence for the hippocampus’s function in memory encoding and consolidation: applicability to dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Working memory and attention bias: working memory and attention in the visual domain.
- Describe the extent to which plasticity plays a role in the development of visual cognitive abilities.
- Examine automated priming effects’ consequences on complex behaviour in real life
- Discuss the importance of facial stimuli in assessing how the ventral pathway of the human body develops from childhood to adulthood.
- Analyze the growth of out-group and in-group associations in implicit intergroup cognition.
- What Are the Hierarchical Explanations of Information Flow and Parallel Processing Distribution?
- Are the abilities of children with dyscalculia not impacted by the disorder, or are they comparatively independent?
- Does the evidence support the idea that neural network theories can explain some lower-order brain operations but cannot explain the representations in higher areas?
- Investigating Human Cognitive Development as A Stand-In for Understanding Human Brain Evolution.
- Describe how the executive functions of the frontal brain distinguish humans.
- An analysis of Fodor’s modular theory of the brain in the context of contemporary neuroscientific evidence.
- Do You Know What a Cheater Detection Module Is, And Is It Real Or Just a Phrase?
- Evaluating the accuracy of Gibson’s direct perception theory in light of constructivist explanations and other modern cognitive theories.
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It is essential for your cognitive psychology dissertation that you take advantage of the opportunity to make your presence felt in psychology. To help you with your study, also look for intriguing dissertation topics that contain a wealth of information. Consult your supervisor about improving your dissertation. Research is always more powerful when based on a good and comprehensive topic.
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How to find cognitive psychology dissertation topics.
To find cognitive psychology dissertation topics:
- Study recent research trends.
- Explore cognitive disorders or therapies.
- Investigate memory, perception, learning.
- Analyze brain-imaging techniques.
- Consider AI’s impact on cognition.
- Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.
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What Is Cognitive Psychology?
The Science of How We Think
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Topics in Cognitive Psychology
- Current Research
- Cognitive Approach in Practice
Careers in Cognitive Psychology
How cognitive psychology differs from other branches of psychology, frequently asked questions.
Cognitive psychology is the study of internal mental processes—all of the workings inside your brain, including perception, thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and learning. Learning about how people think and process information helps researchers and psychologists understand the human brain and assist people with psychological difficulties.
This article discusses what cognitive psychology is—its history, current trends, practical applications, and career paths.
Findings from cognitive psychology help us understand how people think, including how they acquire and store memories. By knowing more about how these processes work, psychologists can develop new ways of helping people with cognitive problems.
Cognitive psychologists explore a wide variety of topics related to thinking processes. Some of these include:
- Attention --our ability to process information in the environment while tuning out irrelevant details
- Choice-based behavior --actions driven by a choice among other possibilities
- Decision-making
- Information processing
- Language acquisition --how we learn to read, write, and express ourselves
- Problem-solving
- Speech perception -how we process what others are saying
- Visual perception --how we see the physical world around us
History of Cognitive Psychology
Although it is a relatively young branch of psychology , it has quickly grown to become one of the most popular subfields. Cognitive psychology grew into prominence between the 1950s and 1970s.
Prior to this time, behaviorism was the dominant perspective in psychology. This theory holds that we learn all our behaviors from interacting with our environment. It focuses strictly on observable behavior, not thought and emotion. Then, researchers became more interested in the internal processes that affect behavior instead of just the behavior itself.
This shift is often referred to as the cognitive revolution in psychology. During this time, a great deal of research on topics including memory, attention, and language acquisition began to emerge.
In 1967, the psychologist Ulric Neisser introduced the term cognitive psychology, which he defined as the study of the processes behind the perception, transformation, storage, and recovery of information.
Cognitive psychology became more prominent after the 1950s as a result of the cognitive revolution.
Current Research in Cognitive Psychology
The field of cognitive psychology is both broad and diverse. It touches on many aspects of daily life. There are numerous practical applications for this research, such as providing help coping with memory disorders, making better decisions , recovering from brain injury, treating learning disorders, and structuring educational curricula to enhance learning.
Current research on cognitive psychology helps play a role in how professionals approach the treatment of mental illness, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative brain diseases.
Thanks to the work of cognitive psychologists, we can better pinpoint ways to measure human intellectual abilities, develop new strategies to combat memory problems, and decode the workings of the human brain—all of which ultimately have a powerful impact on how we treat cognitive disorders.
The field of cognitive psychology is a rapidly growing area that continues to add to our understanding of the many influences that mental processes have on our health and daily lives.
From understanding how cognitive processes change as a child develops to looking at how the brain transforms sensory inputs into perceptions, cognitive psychology has helped us gain a deeper and richer understanding of the many mental events that contribute to our daily existence and overall well-being.
The Cognitive Approach in Practice
In addition to adding to our understanding of how the human mind works, the field of cognitive psychology has also had an impact on approaches to mental health. Before the 1970s, many mental health treatments were focused more on psychoanalytic , behavioral , and humanistic approaches.
The so-called "cognitive revolution" put a greater emphasis on understanding the way people process information and how thinking patterns might contribute to psychological distress. Thanks to research in this area, new approaches to treatment were developed to help treat depression, anxiety, phobias, and other psychological disorders .
Cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavior therapy are two methods in which clients and therapists focus on the underlying cognitions, or thoughts, that contribute to psychological distress.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an approach that helps clients identify irrational beliefs and other cognitive distortions that are in conflict with reality and then aid them in replacing such thoughts with more realistic, healthy beliefs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a psychological disorder that would benefit from the use of cognitive approaches, you might see a psychologist who has specific training in these cognitive treatment methods.
These professionals frequently go by titles other than cognitive psychologists, such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists , or counseling psychologists , but many of the strategies they use are rooted in the cognitive tradition.
Many cognitive psychologists specialize in research with universities or government agencies. Others take a clinical focus and work directly with people who are experiencing challenges related to mental processes. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
Research psychologists in this area often concentrate on a particular topic, such as memory. Others work directly on health concerns related to cognition, such as degenerative brain disorders and brain injuries.
Treatments rooted in cognitive research focus on helping people replace negative thought patterns with more positive, realistic ones. With the help of cognitive psychologists, people are often able to find ways to cope and even overcome such difficulties.
Reasons to Consult a Cognitive Psychologist
- Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or memory loss
- Brain trauma treatment
- Cognitive therapy for a mental health condition
- Interventions for learning disabilities
- Perceptual or sensory issues
- Therapy for a speech or language disorder
Whereas behavioral and some other realms of psychology focus on actions--which are external and observable--cognitive psychology is instead concerned with the thought processes behind the behavior. Cognitive psychologists see the mind as if it were a computer, taking in and processing information, and seek to understand the various factors involved.
A Word From Verywell
Cognitive psychology plays an important role in understanding the processes of memory, attention, and learning. It can also provide insights into cognitive conditions that may affect how people function.
Being diagnosed with a brain or cognitive health problem can be daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Together with a healthcare provider, you can come up with an effective treatment plan to help address brain health and cognitive problems.
Your treatment may involve consulting with a cognitive psychologist who has a background in the specific area of concern that you are facing, or you may be referred to another mental health professional that has training and experience with your particular condition.
Ulric Neisser is considered the founder of cognitive psychology. He was the first to introduce the term and to define the field of cognitive psychology. His primary interests were in the areas of perception and memory, but he suggested that all aspects of human thought and behavior were relevant to the study of cognition.
A cognitive map refers to a mental representation of an environment. Such maps can be formed through observation as well as through trial and error. These cognitive maps allow people to orient themselves in their environment.
While they share some similarities, there are some important differences between cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology. While cognitive psychology focuses on thinking processes, cognitive neuroscience is focused on finding connections between thinking and specific brain activity. Cognitive neuroscience also looks at the underlying biology that influences how information is processed.
Cognitive psychology is a form of experimental psychology. Cognitive psychologists use experimental methods to study the internal mental processes that play a role in behavior.
Sternberg RJ, Sternberg K. Cognitive Psychology . Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
Krapfl JE. Behaviorism and society . Behav Anal. 2016;39(1):123-9. doi:10.1007/s40614-016-0063-8
Cutting JE. Ulric Neisser (1928-2012) . Am Psychol . 2012;67(6):492. doi:10.1037/a0029351
Ruggiero GM, Spada MM, Caselli G, Sassaroli S. A historical and theoretical review of cognitive behavioral therapies: from structural self-knowledge to functional processes . J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther . 2018;36(4):378-403. doi:10.1007/s10942-018-0292-8
Parvin P. Ulric Neisser, cognitive psychology pioneer, dies . Emory News Center.
APA Dictionary of Psychology. Cognitive map . American Psychological Association.
Forstmann BU, Wagenmakers EJ, Eichele T, Brown S, Serences JT. Reciprocal relations between cognitive neuroscience and formal cognitive models: opposites attract? . Trends Cogn Sci . 2011;15(6):272-279. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2011.04.002
By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
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Cognitive psychologists develop a systematic understanding of cognitive processes. These include perception, human learning, attention, categorization, problem solving, decision–making, information processing and retrieval, short and long-term memory and forgetting, sensory encoding, motor control, psycholinguistics, and reading.
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With this article as your guide, kickstart a unique and impactful psychology research project. We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.
This page provides a comprehensive list of cognitive psychology research paper topics, curated to inspire and assist students in their exploration of how humans perceive, remember, think, speak, and solve problems.
To find cognitive psychology dissertation topics: Study recent research trends. Explore cognitive disorders or therapies. Investigate memory, perception, learning. Analyze brain-imaging techniques. Consider AI’s impact on cognition. Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.
Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.
Cognitive Psychology specializes in longer, more integrative articles that have a major impact on theories of cognition. We welcome submissions that use modeling or neuroscientific approaches, literature reviews, or incisive experiments to provide a substantial theoretical advance.
Neuro-cognition in human movement: from fundamental experiments to bio-inspired innovation. Part of the largest journal in its field, this section explores standard cognitive topics, such as sensation, perception, attention, memory, judgement and decision making, problem solving, reasonin...
Learning about how people think and process information helps researchers and psychologists understand the human brain and assist people with psychological difficulties. This article discusses what cognitive psychology is—its history, current trends, practical applications, and career paths.
Cognitive Psychology - Science topic. Explore the latest publications in Cognitive Psychology, and find Cognitive Psychology experts. Questions (424) Publications (152,453) Filters....
Topics in Cognitive Science journal features coherent selections of scholarly papers dedicated to a joint topic across all subfields in cognitive science. We provide a platform for presenting a topic with both greater depth and scope, and ideally from a broader range of perspectives, than stand-alone articles typically can. topiCS App. New!
These include perception, human learning, attention, categorization, problem solving, decision–making, information processing and retrieval, short and long-term memory and forgetting, sensory encoding, motor control, psycholinguistics, and reading. View research in Cognitive Psychology.