Final answer:
The development of the computer has not enabled cognitive psychologists to analyze the brain by studying computer parts, even though computers do provide models to understand cognitive processes. The human brain and computers are both seen as information processing systems but are fundamentally different in terms of spontaneity and self-determination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The developments of the computer have greatly facilitated the work of cognitive psychologists, but one thing they have not enabled cognitive psychologists to do is to analyze the different parts of the brain by studying computer parts. Computers have indeed provided models for understanding cognitive processes and have offered tools such as interactive brain models and functional imaging to study brain activity during mental tasks. Comparing the brain to a computer has afforded insights into its workings. However, while computers and brains can both be viewed as information processing systems, studying the mechanical parts of a computer does not directly translate into a deeper understanding of the organic, complex structure and function of the human brain.
Cognitive psychology is the field of psychology that focuses on the study of human thinking, which encompasses processes associated with perception, knowledge, problem solving, judgment, language, and memory.
The belief that computers can serve as a useful analogy to human cognition springs from the idea that both entities process information, which has led to the notion that, in theory, it could be possible to create a computer that 'thinks'. However, the objection often raised is that computers fundamentally lack the spontaneity and self-determination characteristic of human cognition, as they can only execute tasks they are programmed to do, while humans possess the ability to decide and initiate actions freely.