What significant change characterized the cognitive revolution in psychology during the 1950s?

The cognitive revolution in psychology during the 1950s marked a pivotal shift in the field, particularly characterized by a move away from strict behaviorism and towards a deeper understanding of mental processes. Behaviorism had primarily focused on observable behaviors and external stimuli, disregarding the internal cognitive states of individuals. However, the cognitive revolution introduced the study of various mental activities, including perception, memory, problem-solving, and language.

This shift was fueled by advancements in technology and interdisciplinary research, particularly from linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science, which began to influence psychological theories. Researchers started employing metaphorical models of human cognition, comparing the mind to a computer that processes information. This helped to legitimize the exploration of internal mental functions as an essential part of psychological study.

Thus, the transformation represented by the cognitive revolution emphasized the importance of understanding cognition—how individuals think, learn, and remember—broadening the scope of psychological research and leading to the development of cognitive psychology as a distinct branch within the field.