Who is often referred to as the "father of cognitive psychology"?

Ulric Neisser is often referred to as the "father of cognitive psychology" because of his influential contributions to the field and his role in establishing cognitive psychology as a distinct area of psychological study. In 1967, Neisser published the groundbreaking book "Cognitive Psychology," which provided a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in perception, memory, and problem-solving. This work not only synthesized existing research but also set the stage for future exploration of cognitive processes, emphasizing the importance of understanding how people think, learn, and remember.

Neisser's focus on mental processes marked a significant departure from behaviorism, which had dominated psychology prior to this shift. His insistence on studying internal mental states paved the way for a broader recognition of cognitive functions in psychological research, thereby laying foundational principles that continue to influence cognitive psychology today.