Who is credited with coining the term "cognitive psychology"?

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Study for the University of Central Florida EXP3604 Cognitive Psychology Final Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Ace your exam!

Ulric Neisser is credited with coining the term "cognitive psychology." He introduced this term in his seminal book published in 1967, which helped define the field of cognitive psychology as the study of internal mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Neisser's work marked a significant shift in psychology, moving the focus away from behaviorism to exploring how people think, learn, and remember. This foundational contribution laid the groundwork for future research and understanding in cognitive psychology, establishing it as a key area of study distinct from other psychological approaches.

Jean Piaget, while influential in developmental psychology and understanding cognitive development in children, is not associated with coining the term itself. William James is primarily known for his contributions to functionalism and the philosophy of pragmatism rather than cognitive psychology specifically. Noam Chomsky, on the other hand, is well-known for his work in linguistics and cognitive science but did not coin the term. Thus, Neisser's identification of cognitive psychology as a discipline remains a pivotal moment in the history of psychology.