Applied cognitive psychology is a subfield of cognitive psychology, that focuses on applying cognitive theories in various fields such as education, health, sports, and technology.
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| What is Applied cognitive psychology |
Applied cognitive psychology is concerned with studying individuals’ awareness of the problems they face, how they think and make the right decisions, and learning from previous events and situations, with application in real-life
Applied cognitive psychology applications
1. Human capabilities and work environment
It is related to technology, programmers design an attractive and easy-to-use user interface for customers, so it is expected that the customer’s cognitive processes, such as perception and memory, will be easy and convenient.
So programmers' ability to design attractive interfaces helped customers to remember and understand the program easily
2. Cognitive assessment and testing
Several tests are conducted to evaluate cognitive processes such as memory, perception, thinking, and problem-solving for individuals in schools, universities, and workplaces, and to give a report on the strengths and weaknesses of cognitive processes in different environments.
For example, perception in the workplace may be better than perception in schools because of the employee’s awareness that staying in the job is linked to understanding the nature of work .
3. Training and cognitive improvement
Developers design training programs to train and improve individuals' cognitive skills.
For example, a program to measure an individual's cognition and a program to control and measure students' attention. Also, a program that measures the memory strength of individuals.
These programs aim to improve individuals' cognitive skills through exercises and practical programs
4. Decision-making and problem solving
The right decisions or solving difficult problems depend on various factors, including experience, bias, and heuristics.
Therefore, applied cognitive psychology focuses on the influence of factors on individuals in making decisions and solving problems
Contributes of Applied Cognitive Psychology
Applied cognitive psychology contributes to providing solutions to problems facing individuals’ cognitive skills in various fields, the most important of which are:
1. Education
Applied cognitive psychology has contributed effectively to education, as it helps students increase the ability to focus and attention in class, as well as teaches the student the correct method to remember information easily.
In addition to adding touches to the teaching curricula, it helps students understand and receive information simply and more interactively.
2. Health care
Applied cognitive psychology provides easy-to-use interfaces to medical devices, which helps in making accurate decisions for analysis by medical care professionals.
It also contributes to teach and educate patients about the necessity of taking medications and treatments at appropriate times and in the quantity prescribed by the treating doctor
3. Sports Performance
Applied cognitive psychology focuses on cognitive skills to develop and improve.
Athletes need focus, and flexibility, and make decisive decisions without hesitation therefore, applied cognitive psychology provides the complete solution to sports by helping athletes pay attention, focus, decision-making, and flexibility in movement.
Applied Cognitive Psychology Tools
1. Cognitive Assessment Tools
A tool used to evaluate cognitive processes and identify strengths and weaknesses.
These tools include:
a. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
A tool used to evaluate individuals' cognition and measure cognitive weakness and strength It also determines the degree of dementia and lack of discrimination in individuals
b. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
A tool used to evaluate memory and attention in individuals and measure the strength of memory and attention in individuals
c. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
A test used to evaluate the intelligence quotient of individuals and their ability to solve various problems
2. Computerized Cognitive Tests
Tests use computer programs to evaluate various cognitive processes such as perception, attention, and memory.
These tests include:
a. Cogstate
A computer program to measure attention, memory strength, and the speed of processing of information in individuals,
b. Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
A computer program to evaluate most cognitive processes, including attention, memory, perception, and problem-solving
3. Cognitive Training Programs
Programs and exercises to improve various cognitive abilities by repetition of exercise to achieve better improvements.
These programs are not computer programs, but rather activities and exercises that are done repeatedly to improve cognitive skills.
Example:
Repeat the statement: "I trust myself " to improve the individual's trust in making the decisions
a. Working memory training programs
Repetitive activities to improve attention and memory in individuals
b. Attention training programs
Repetitive activities to improve individuals' attention and reduce distraction and lack of focus.
These activities are used in schools and universities to improve student's attention .
c. Strategy-based training programs
Repetitive activities specialize in improving the ability to solve difficult problems and make decisions without hesitation.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A technique used to modify bad thoughts and wrong behaviors and replace them with more objective thoughts and thus logical behaviors.
This technique restructures various cognitive processes by replacing erroneous thoughts with thoughts more adapted to the individual