ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on certain aspects of language and, as language and thinking seem so interdependent, one focus is the relationship between language and thought. It examines, Language and thought, is one of the Routledge Modular Psychology series that deals with cognitive psychology. The book focuses on the development of language, starting with studies of the process of language acquisition. It concerns the heart of cognitive psychology and, possibly, humanity. It is largely confined to the thought processes involved in goal-directed thinking or the type of thought involved in problem-solving and decision-making. Garnham and Oakhill describe two main methods of studying the thought processes involved in problem-solving and decision-making: protocol analysis and computer modelling. Computer modelling is the use of computer programs to simulate human problem-solving and decision-making.