Which psychologist contributed to behaviorism by emphasizing the role of cognition?

The choice of Albert Bandura as the psychologist who contributed to behaviorism by emphasizing the role of cognition is rooted in his significant work on social learning theory. Bandura introduced the concept that cognitive processes play a critical role in how individuals learn new behaviors, a departure from traditional behaviorism, which primarily focused on observable behaviors in isolation from mental processes.

His famous Bobo doll experiment demonstrated that children could learn behaviors through observation and imitation, highlighting the importance of cognitive factors such as attention, memory, and motivation in learning. This incorporation of cognitive elements into behaviorism laid the groundwork for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and learning, bridging the gap between behaviorist and cognitive perspectives.

In contrast, other psychologists listed are associated with different aspects of psychology. Arnold Gessell focused on developmental psychology, primarily on normative development and maturation. Lightner Witmer is known for founding clinical psychology and emphasizing psychological testing, while William Wundt is regarded as the father of experimental psychology and established psychology as a science separate from philosophy, with little emphasis on cognitive processes. Thus, Bandura’s work stands out as a pivotal point in integrating cognition into the framework of behaviorism.