NLP → NLP Lexicon

Cognitive Psychology (Lat. cognoscere = to know, to recognize)

Definition

Cognitive psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on how humans process information internally, particularly with regard to perception, attention, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, and language.

In the context of NLP, cognitive psychology is especially significant due to the so-called computer metaphor of the mind: It describes mental processes as the processing of information, comparable to the processes of a computer, in which data is stored, processed, and 'outputted'.

This perspective provides the theoretical foundation for central NLP concepts such as:

• Representational systems (internal codes)
• Strategies (as cognitive patterns of action)
• Anchoring (as associative linking)
• Submodalities (fine structure of cognitive representation)

Origin and Theoretical Background

Cognitive psychology developed from the 1950s as a counter-movement to the dominance of behaviorism. Important pioneers included:

• Ulric Neisser (Cognitive Psychology, 1967)
• George A. Miller (information processing and 'Magical Number Seven')
• Allen Newell & Herbert A. Simon (artificial intelligence and problem-solving research)

The computer metaphor of the mind shaped the discipline: The brain corresponds to the hardware, the mind is the program – cognitive processes are described as computational operations.

For NLP, this analogy was adopted by Richard Bandler, John Grinder, and later especially by Robert Dilts. NLP views human thinking and behavior as 'programmable' – in the sense of modelable, structurable, and changeable processes.

Application Examples

• Strategy modeling (NLP): How does a creative person think? What cognitive steps does he go through? These processes can be made visible and trainable using cognitive analysis.
• Memory work: NLP techniques rely on cognitive models, e.g., when working with inner images (visual submodalities) to improve memory retention.
• Metaprograms: These describe cognitive filters and thinking styles based on assumptions of cognitive information processing.
• Reframing: Changing cognitive evaluation patterns to reassess situations.

Areas of Application

• Coaching: Analyzing and optimizing cognitive decision-making and thinking patterns
• Learning coaching: Applying strategies for information processing
• Therapy: Changing dysfunctional cognitions (similar to cognitive behavioral therapy)
• Executive training: Recognizing and utilizing cognitive thinking styles (metaprograms)
• Communication training: Reflecting on linguistic structures based on cognitive patterns

Methods and Exercises

1. Cognitive strategy analysis (TOTE model):

   Surveying internal processes – Test → Operate → Test → Exit – to describe how someone cognitively pursues a goal.

2. Submodalities work:

   Fine analysis and change of internal representations to alter meaning assignments (e.g., through brightness, distance, volume).

3. Reframing:

   Technique for reinterpreting meanings, based on changing cognitive frameworks.

4. Chunking:

   Cognitive structuring of information into larger or smaller units (generalization or specification).

Synonyms and related terms

• Synonyms:
  • Information processing psychology
  • Thinking psychology
• Related terms in the NLP context:
  • Strategy: Sequence of cognitive steps to achieve a goal
  • Meta-programs: Cognitive filters and processing preferences
  • Submodalities: Cognitive coding of experience
  • Modeling: Capturing cognitive patterns in successful people

Distinction

In contrast to behaviorist psychology, cognitive psychology emphasizes 'inner experience' – which in NLP is operationalized through subjective experience and representational systems.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Practical benefits:

  • Structured analysis of thinking and decision-making processes
  • Basis for targeted change of mental strategies
  • Improvement of learning processes, memory, and problem-solving abilities
  • Bridge between NLP and scientifically recognized psychological models

• Scientifically:

  Cognitive psychology is an internationally established field with a broad research foundation. It provides NLP with a metatheoretical framework, even though NLP itself is not consistently empirically verified.

Criticism or Limitations

• Reductionism: The computer metaphor of the mind neglects emotional, physical, and social aspects of human experience.
• Mechanistic worldview: Critics argue that cognitive psychology takes too rational a view of thinking.
• Limited integration of bodily experience: Only newer directions like embodied cognition reintegrate the body as a co-actor – which in turn is considered by body-oriented NLP formats.

Literature and References

• Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive psychology. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
• Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological Review, 63(2), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0043158
• Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes' error: Emotion, reason, and the human brain. Putnam.
• Dilts, R., & Epstein, T. (1992). Dynamic learning. Meta Publications.
• Strube, G. (1996). The computer metaphor in cognitive psychology. In F. Klix & P. J. Dörner (Eds.), Performance and learning (pp. 91–106). Pabst Science Publishers.
• Ardui, J., & Wrycza, A. (1994). NLP: The new technology of communication. Junfermann.

Metaphor or Analogy

Man as computer

The brain is like a computer: information is received (Input), processed (Processing), stored (Memory), and finally translated into behavior (Output). NLP uses this structure to recognize – and change – 'programs'.

The operating system of thinking

Cognitive psychology provides the foundations for how we think. NLP draws on this to make these mental programs conscious, to modify and optimize them – comparable to an update of an internal operating system.

See also