Origins of the cognitive (r)evolution
1Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA. gmandler@ucsd.edu
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
|October 31, 2002
Summary
The cognitive revolution marked a return to pre-behaviorism ideas, especially outside the US. This shift occurred because behaviorism couldn't explain key human psychology aspects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- History of Science
Background:
- Behaviorism dominated American psychology from 1920-1950.
- Its focus on observable behavior and animal-model continuity limited explanations of human cognition.
Observation:
- The cognitive revolution involved a gradual shift, not an abrupt event.
- Key developments occurred in memory research through conferences between 1955 and 1966.
Findings:
- The cognitive revolution represented a resurgence of pre-behaviorist psychological approaches.
- It was influenced by international psychology, particularly from German, British, and Francophone traditions.
Implications:
- This shift was necessary to address complex human psychological phenomena.
- Understanding this history highlights the evolution of cognitive psychology and its diverse influences.
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