INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE
PSYCHOLOGY
Welcome to your first exploration of cognitive
psychology – the study of how we think, learn,
remember, and make decisions. Emerging in the
mid-20th century as a response to behaviorism,
cognitive psychology shifted the focus toward
internal mental processes, helping us understand
how the mind interprets and responds to the world.
In this Discussion, you will connect key cognitive
functions—like memory, attention, language, and
decision-making—to your daily experiences. By
thinking critically and applying concepts to real-world
moments, you will take your first step in understanding the science behind your own thoughts. As
you explore the resources, think about how these processes relate not just to behavior, but also to
the brain and nervous system.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Shukla, A. (2020). Cognition 101: Executive functions,
cognitive processes, & abilities. Cognition
Today. https://cognitiontoday.com/what-is-cognition-executivefunctions-and-cognitive-processes/
Time Estimate: 16 minutes
Readings
Media
Post a 200- to 250-word response in which you:
Briefly define cognitive psychology in your own words.
Describe two cognitive processes that interest you most from the Psychology Unlocked
(2020) media.
Considering the Shukla (2020) article, describe a time you used your selected
cognitive processes in your own life. Include details about what happened, who was
involved, and when and where it occurred.
To demonstrate what you learned this week, be sure to support your work by referring to
specific information from the learning resources. Cite and reference the sources you used.
Be sure to review the Week 1 Discussion Rubric to understand the specific grading criteria
your Instructor will use to evaluate your work.
Respond to the initial post of at least one colleague who selected at least one different
cognitive psychology process from the one you selected, in one of the following ways:
Share a similar situation from your daily life that involves your colleague’s selected
cognitive process and compare how you think your mind navigated the situation.
Provide a connection between your classmate’s daily life situation to a different cognitive
process than they chose and explain how they relate.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring Your Paper:
Step 1: Understand the Assignment
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Carefully read the discussion instructions and note the word count (200–250 words).
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Identify the key tasks: define cognitive psychology, select two cognitive processes, provide a personal example, support with sources, and respond to a classmate.
Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas
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List cognitive processes you find interesting (e.g., memory, attention, decision-making).
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Think of real-life situations where you have used these processes. Include the setting, people involved, and what happened.
Step 3: Create an Outline
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Introduction (1–2 sentences): Define cognitive psychology in your own words.
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Body Paragraph 1: Describe your first selected cognitive process.
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Body Paragraph 2: Describe your second selected cognitive process.
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Body Paragraph 3: Provide a personal example applying these processes and connect it to Shukla (2020).
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Conclusion (1–2 sentences): Summarize your reflection and learning.
Step 4: Write Your Draft
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Use clear and concise language.
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Cite Shukla (2020) and any other resources. Example: (Shukla, 2020).
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Keep your examples specific and relatable to show real-world application.
Step 5: Review the Rubric
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Check the Week 1 Discussion Rubric for grading criteria.
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Ensure you addressed all points, met the word count, and included proper citations.
Step 6: Respond to a Classmate
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Choose a post with a different cognitive process than yours.
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Share a similar experience or connect their situation to a related cognitive process.
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Keep your response thoughtful and respectful.
Step 7: Final Proofread
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Check grammar, spelling, and clarity.
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Ensure your ideas flow logically.
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Confirm proper APA or citation style is used.
Step 8: Submit Your Post
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Submit your discussion post and response before the deadline.
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Double-check that all requirements are met.
Helpful Resources:
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