Cognitive psychology is the field of psychology that studies the mental processes of humans, such as thinking, feeling, and problem-solving. The specialization focuses on understanding how the brain works and how we use it to make decisions (Sanborn & Harris, 2019). Over the past few years, cognitive psychology has become a hot topic in the media, with stories about memory loss cures, creative thinking, and decision-making. In this course, we will explore these topics’ underlying reasons and causes and gain valuable insight into how the human mind works.
Depression is one of the most highly reported hot topics in cognitive psychology. It is estimated that approximately 280 million people suffer from depression worldwide (Linda Searing, 2022). Depression is a mental disorder characterized by sadness, low self-esteem, lack of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating. Cognitive psychology can help us to understand the underlying causes of depression, such as our thoughts and beliefs, how we interpret and respond to stressful events, and how our environment impacts our behavior. It can also help us understand our emotions’ impact and how they can affect our behavior. The knowledge can help us identify strategies to manage our moods and behaviors to reduce our risk of developing depression.
Memory loss is another popular topic in cognitive psychology. Recent news stories have focused on the race to find a cure for memory loss, particularly in the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Numerous factors, including aging, stress, head trauma, and certain medications, can cause memory loss. This course will help me understand the underlying causes of memory loss, such as neurological damage, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, stress, and nutrition (Bastin et al., 2019). The knowledge can help us identify strategies to preserve our memories and improve memory recall. The course will also explore memory loss in depth, discussing the various types of memory, the functions of different brain regions, and the strategies used to improve memory. We will also examine how memory loss can impact our daily lives, from impairing our ability to remember key facts to affecting our decision-making.
The concept of creativity is also often linked to cognitive psychology. Creative thinking is the ability to develop new ideas, perspectives, and solutions to problems. In this course, we will explore the various theories of creativity, such as divergent and convergent thinking, and the different factors influencing creativity. We will also discuss the various tools and techniques used to foster creativity, including brainstorming and the use of mental images. It can also help us to understand the underlying causes of creativity, such as our capacity to think abstractly, our ability to recognize patterns, and our capacity to think flexibly. This knowledge can help us to identify strategies to develop and nurture our creativity.
Another hottest topic in cognitive psychology is decision-making. Many people struggle with making decisions that are beneficial for their lives and society as a whole. The course will help understand the underlying reasons and causes of decision-making by providing insight into how decisions are made, the cognitive processes involved, and how psychological factors can affect decision-making (Duan et al., 2019). For example, the course will explore how emotions, biases, and group dynamics influence people’s decisions. Additionally, the system will examine how decision-making can be improved through cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and goal-setting techniques. By understanding the underlying processes associated with decision-making, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions that benefit them and their communities.
In conclusion, this course will provide valuable insight into the underlying reasons and causes behind the hot topics of cognitive psychology. We will explore how depression, memory loss, creativity, and decision-making are affected by our mental processes and how we can use this knowledge to our advantage. Additionally, we will gain an understanding of the various treatments available and how they can be used to manage these topics effectively. By understanding the underlying causes of these topics, I will be able to identify better strategies to prevent or reduce the effects of these cognitive issues.
References
Bastin, C., Besson, G., Simon, J., Delhaye, E., Geurten, M., Willems, S., & Salmon, E. (2019). An integrative memory model of recollection and familiarity to understand memory deficits. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 42, e281.
Duan, Y., Edwards, J. S., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2019). Artificial intelligence for decision making in the era of Big Data–evolution, challenges and research agenda. International journal of information management, pp. 48, 63–71. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268401219300581
Linda Searing. (2022, February 27). Depression affects about 280 million people worldwide. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/02/27/depression-worldwide/
Sanborn, F., & Harris, R. J. (2019). Cognitive psychology of mass communication. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315171494/cognitive-psychology-mass-communication-richard-jackson-harris-fred-sanborn
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