Language and Cognitive Psychology Essay - 1136 Words

Language is a cognitive function that most of us take for granted. It starts from early on, some say at conception, and it develops in complexity as we get older. It is an essential part of communication and without it its development would be greatly hindered. This natural process requires complex structures and reasoning, the bringing together of sounds and words to develop concrete ideas and thoughts. In this paper we will discuss the components of language and how it relates to cognitive processes. Language and Lexicon Our basic mean of communication among species and interspecies is thru language. Language enables us to communicate with each other, our thoughts and feelings, ideas and concepts, likes, and dislikes, fears, dreams†¦show more content†¦Each culture has its own distinct way of rendering the spoken language. The aspects that make words and their meaning distinct are as unique as the properties of language that make them arbitrary. Words are nothing more than sounds. It is up to us to connect them to their actual meaning. This system follows no specific reason for words and their relation to objects, it is the culture that appoints meaning - this is why it is arbitrary. However, even though we can say that word meanings are arbitrary; language is not. Key features of language include its words and their sub structures such as morphemes, graphemes and syllables at the writing level as well as reading or speaking, words, their meanings and contexts in which the words get spoken or read. Language has to be interpreted as a whole, and not just as the specific word. There must be an explicit pattern or structure. In order for language to be understood correctly, the meaning of words must be arranged in a given context. This is what constructs language; even though words are arbitrary themselves, in order to integrate as a language, they must be used in the appropriate context. This pre-established cultural context is what will enable effective communication. (Daniel Willingham, 2007, p. 1). Four Levels of Language Structure and Processing According to Daniel Willingham Language Processing (2007) language is structured into fourShow MoreRelatedLanguage and Cognitive Psychology929 Words   |  4 Pageshand signs have been replaced by more complicated language structures as a basis of communication. Today, it is not only words and their assigned meanings that make the bulk of communication among people. There are also subtle nuances of meaning and implied meaning that are often misunderstood or misconstrued. Furthermore, elements such as lying and misunderstanding also influence how language is used and perceived among individuals. Because language forms the majority of communication among humanRead MoreEssay about The Development of Cognitive Psychology747 Words   |  3 Pagesartificial intelligence have contributed to the development of cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology is the segment of psychology that explores internal mental processes such as visual processing, memory, problem solving, and language. Cognitive psychology also focuses on information processing and the method of how people store, manipulate and use information (Barsalou, 2005). With an emphasis on thought processes, cognitive psychology also explores and discusses thinking and knowledge acquisitionRead MoreEvolution of Cognitive Psychology1054 Words   |  5 PagesEvolution of Cognitive Psychology Cognitive psychology is defined as â€Å"the scientific study of mental processes† (Riegler Riegler 2008, p. 1). During the 1960s, cognitive psychology became an emerging presence in the field of psychology. During this time period, attention to the study of â€Å"how internal states, such as thoughts, feelings, and moods influence behavior† (Cherry 2010, p. 12). Cognitive psychology studies how individuals think, comprehend language, and form beliefs. Human developmentRead MoreEvolution of Cognitive Psychology1105 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: EVOLUTION OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY PAPER Evolution of Cognitive Psychology PSYCH 560 Latrice T. Colbert Julie Bruno, Psy.D September 6, 2010 Cognition is a term referring to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, remembering, judging and problem-solving. Not only is cognitive psychology central to everything a person does in his or her everyday life, it is also central to psychology’s quest to understand how peopleRead MoreHistory of Cognitive Psychology1666 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract An analysis of the history of cognitive psychology. Including key ideas, contributors, trends, etc. History of Cognitive Psychology According to G. Miller of Princeton University, cognitive psychology  is an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes. So, â€Å"since the beginning of experimental psychology in the nineteenth century, there had been interest in the study of higher mental processes. But something discontinuous happened in the late 1950s, something soRead MoreCognitive Affective1347 Words   |  6 PagesThe Study of Cognitive   amp; Affective Bases of Psychology Cognitive and affective psychology is the empirical branch of psychology, which aims to answer all questions regarding human activities, related to knowledge and emotions, such as, how we think, learn, and remember. It is grounded on the theory that thoughts and emotions affect our behavior; furthermore, behavior can be changed through a modification of our thoughts or emotions. Cognitive psychologists examine how our minds obtainRead MoreChild Abuse and Cognitive Psychology1478 Words   |  6 PagesChild Abuse and Cognitive Psychology Language is an important component in discussing cognitive psychology. There are many different aspects to language that can be broken down to better understand its functions. Language can be defined as â€Å"An organized way to combine words to communicate† (O’Brien, lecture notes 2014). In addition language is a communication system that is unique to humans. It is also something that is learned as opposed to being biologically inherited (O’Brien, lecture notes,Read MoreDiscuss Reasons for the Increased Interest in Cognitive Psychology and the Decline in Behavioristt Approach, in Addition Describe the Field of Cognitive Science Noting the Discipline That Are Included in This Field.1302 Words   |  6 PagesORDER COGNITION DATE SUBMITTED: 29th SEPTEMBER, 2011 DISCUSS REASONS FOR THE INCREASED INTEREST IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND THE DECLINE OF BEHAVIORIST APPROACH ,IN ADDITION DESCRIBE THE FIELD OF COGNITIVE SCIENCE NOTING THE DISCIPLINE THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE THIS FIELD. Behaviorism also called learning perspective is defined by Wikipedia ‘ as a philosophy of psychology based on the proposition that all things that organisms do-including acting , thinking, and feelingRead MoreThe Broad Field Of Psychology1199 Words   |  5 PagesThe broad field of psychology encompasses several different subsets in order to touch upon every aspect of the practice. A particularly interesting one would be cognitive psychology. This area of study focuses on several mental processes; mostly memory, perception and learning. Through the adaption of science and technology, cognitive psychology continues to grow as an important field in psychology. History of Cognitive Psychology Cognitive Psychology originally did not begin as that title. In theRead Morepsy 3601407 Words   |  6 Pages Cognitive Psychology Definition Paper Introduction Cognitive Psychology/PSY360 Cognitive Psychology Definition Paper Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes surrounding learning, memory, perception, and thought. Though it is still a relatively new formal branch of psychology, its roots extend back to Descartes who sought a way to explain how the mind worked, proposing the analogy of a â€Å"hydraulic system of nerve function† (Willingham, 2007, p. 26) after he observed animated statues