The cognitive perspective is a psychological approach that focuses on understanding how people think, learn, and remember. It emphasizes the role of mental processes in shaping behavior and experiences. This perspective examines how individuals perceive information, solve problems, and make decisions, often using models to represent these processes. Cognitive psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to behaviorism, which largely ignored mental processes. Key figures in this field include Jean Piaget, known for his work on cognitive development, and Aaron Beck, who developed cognitive therapy. This perspective has applications in various areas, including education, therapy, and artificial intelligence.