What are the key issues in the study of cognitive psychology?

List of key issues or major themes in the study of cognitive psychology:

Nature versus Nurture: We may emphasize nature, that is, innate characteristics of human cognition or nurture, that is, the environment in the study of cognition.

Rationalism versus Empiricism: The truth about ourselves and about the world around us may be approached through applying reason and logic or by observing and testing our observations.

Structures versus Processes: Psychologist may .=study the structures of the human mind or human thinking processes.

Domain Generality versus Domain Specificity: The processes or observations may be studied as limited to single domain apply also to all domains.

Validity of Causal Inferences versus Ecological Validity: Psychologists may use controlled experiments for valid inferences regarding causality or they may use more naturalistic techniques for ecological validity.

Applied versus Basic Research: Some research may be inclined towards practical applications and yet others may be conducted into basic cognitive processes.

Biological versus Behavioural Methods: The brain and its functions may be studied directly during the performance of cognitive tasks or people’s behaviour in cognitive tasks may be emphasized. It may be noted that any of the extreme positions mentioned above are generally not taken rather both types of questions, are posed.