Dec 23 Cognitive Theory

The cognitive theory focuses on how people think. The theory aslo says that thoughts and expecations profoundly affect a person's attitude, beliefs, values, assumptions and actions. The cognitive theory is very popular; a sub divison of the cognitive theory is the information-processing theory. This theory is closely focues on the step-by-step process of thinking. I think that figuring out how people perceive something or the way they react to certain stimuli can help change an unwanted behavior. Which is why I think this is the most effective form of theraphy. Cognitive theorapists work on changing the way a person thinks and or reacts to an external stimulus. The founder of the cognitive theory is Piaget. Piaget came up with periods of cognitive development associated with ones age. The periods are sensorimotor, peroperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. The descriptions of each period really caught my attention. I know how toddlers can be, everything is mine, always ask why. But I never knew why they did this. After reading the descriptions, it was like an ah-ha moment. Toddlers have an egocentric form of thinking. which explains why they are so possesive of toys and do not like to share. Anyone who has a lot of contact with young children, such as teachers, or day care professionals would find this information very informative and helpful.