Final answer:
Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies how people think and how thought processes influence behavior. It covers a vast range of interests from problem-solving to emotional intelligence, and is key to understanding behavior alongside developmental and clinical psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human thinking and its relationship to behavior. During the cognitive revolution in the 1950s, driven by emerging fields such as neuroscience and computer science, the focus of psychology shifted back towards understanding mental processes. Modern cognitive psychologists explore a myriad of topics including attention, problem solving, language, and memory, often working in interdisciplinary teams. This broad scope touches on various aspects of human cognition from how thoughts influence actions to how intelligence varies among individuals.
Developmental psychology, in contrast, centers on the changes that occur across a person's lifespan, not only focusing on the physical aspects of aging but also cognitive skills, moral reasoning, social behavior, and other psychological attributes. Both cognitive and developmental psychology are essential areas in the field, each with a unique focus on understanding the complex nature of human thought, behaviour, and development.
Meanwhile, clinical psychology handles the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic behavior patterns. Its application is more practical, dealing with mental health issues and aiming to improve patients' well-being.