Visual and auditory perception.How we interpret and make sense of sensory input.Theories of object recognition and perceptual organization.

Perception

Insight, reasoning, and decision-making.Heuristics and biases (e.g., from Kahneman and Tversky).Creative thinking and mental representation.

Thinking and Problem-Solving

How we categorize and structure knowledge.Semantic networks and schemas.Prototypes vs. exemplars.

Knowledge and Concepts

How cognitive processes change over time.Piagetian and neo-Piagetian perspectives.Infant cognition and theory of mind.

Cognitive Development

The nature of conscious experience.Cognitive and neurological views on awareness.Theories of attention and consciousness integration.

Consciousness

Research-Based: Rich in experimental studies and real-life applications.Theory + Practice: Combines abstract models with empirical data.Accessible Yet Academic: Suitable for students but not overly simplified.Illustrated with Diagrams: Helps in visualizing complex models.

Approach & Style

Selective attention and divided attention.Models such as Broadbent’s filter model and Treisman’s attenuation theory.The role of attention in conscious awareness and multitasking.

Attention

Language comprehension, production, and acquisition.Syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.Neurological bases and disorders (e.g., aphasia).

Language

Short-term, working, and long-term memory systems.Encoding, storage, retrieval processes.Theories of forgetting and memory distortions.Research on amnesia and memory consolidation.

Memory

Brain imaging and lesion studies.The interplay between brain function and cognitive processes.Integration with psychology to understand cognition more holistically.

Cognitive Neuroscience

How emotions influence memory, attention, and decision-making.Cognitive theories of emotion (e.g., appraisal theory).Affective neuroscience.

Emotion and Cognition

Cognitive psychology is a dynamic, evolving field with deep connections to neuroscience and real-world problems.Understanding cognitive processes helps in fields such as AI, education, mental health, and UX design.Cognitive overload, working memory limits, and attentional bottlenecks are fundamental to many cognitive failures in daily life.

Key Takeaways

This textbook systematically covers the main domains of cognitive psychology, emphasizing experimental evidence, theoretical models, and practical applications. It also highlights recent developments in cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling, and real-world cognition.

Previous editions have established this best-selling student handbook as THE cognitive psychology textbook of choice, both for its academic rigour and its accessibility. This sixth edition continues this tradition. It has been substantially updated and revised to reflect new developments in the field (especially within cognitive neuroscience). Traditional approaches are combined with the cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience approach to create a comprehensive, coherent and totally up-to-date overview of all the main fields in cognitive psychology. The major topics covered include perception, attention, memory, concepts, language, problem solving, and reasoning, as well as some applied topics such as everyday memory. New to this edition: <ul> <li>Presented in full-colour throughout, with numerous colour illustrations including photographs and brain scans</li> <li>Increased emphasis on cognitive neuroscience, to reflect its growing influence on cognitive psychology</li> <li>A NEW chapter on Cognition and Emotion</li> <li>A WHOLE chapter on Consciousness</li> <li>Increased coverage of applied topics such as recovered memories, medical expertise, informal reasoning, and emotion regulation incorporated throughout the textbook</li> <li>More focus on individual differences in areas including long-term memory, expertise, reasoning, emotion and regulation.</li></ul> The textbook is packed full of useful features that will engage students and aid revision, including key terms, which are new to this edition, chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading. Written by one of the leading textbook authors in psychology, this thorough and user-friendly textbook will continue to be essential reading for all undergraduate students of psychology. Those taking courses in computer science, education, linguistics, physiology, and medicine will also find it an invaluable resource. This edition is accompanied by a rich array of supplementary materials, which will be made available to qualifying adopters completely free of charge. The online multimedia materials include: <ul> <li>A PowerPoint lecture course and multiple-choice question test bank</li> <li>A unique Student Learning Program: an interactive revision program incorporating a range of multimedia resources including interactive exercises and demonstrations, and active reference links to journal articles.</li></ul>