Gestalt Psychology and the Cognitive Revolution

Although it is often thought that many concepts used by contemporary cognitive psychologists only recently evolved in the realm of modern (post-behavioral) experimental psychology -- their roots actually go back to the Gestalt psychologists in Germany. This book re-examines the role that Gestalt Psychology played in they years leading up to the "cognitive revolution." Discusses the historical relationships connecting behaviorism, Gestalt Psychology, and the development of cognitive psychology. Outlines the main principles of Gestalt Psychology through an account of the intellectual careers of Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Kohler, the three leaders of the movement. Provides a detailed outline of Gestalt views on memory and relates them to contemporary theories on memory. Contrasts Gestalt theories of problem solving to the latter views of Herbert Simon and others on thinking. Concludes with a general discussion of the validity of the Gestalt opinion that a comprehensive psychology of cognition needs to incorporate the concepts of distinctiveness, restructuring, goals, and the self. For anyone interested in cognitive science, human memory, or the history of psychology.