Which psychologist is known for significant contributions to cognitive psychology and the cognitive learning theory?

The chosen answer is significant because Jerome Bruner made foundational contributions to cognitive psychology and cognitive learning theory. He emphasized the importance of understanding how individuals acquire and process knowledge, advocating that learning is an active process where learners construct new ideas based on their existing knowledge. Bruner introduced concepts such as the discovery learning model and the idea of scaffolding, which suggests that learners benefit from guidance and support as they engage with new material.

His work focused on the way cognitive processes affect learning, which aligns closely with cognitive psychology's emphasis on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. This contrasts with other psychologists mentioned, who had different emphases; for example, Piaget focused primarily on developmental stages in children, Skinner was a key figure in behaviorism and emphasizes reinforcement in learning, and Vygotsky highlighted social interaction and cultural context in development rather than cognitive processes alone. This makes Bruner's contributions particularly relevant to cognitive learning theories.