Which psychologist is known for their work on cognitive meaning making?

• A. Kohlberg
• B. Loevinger
• C. Kegan
• D. Maslow

Answer: (C)

The psychologist known for their work on cognitive meaning making is Kegan. He is renowned for his theories about adult development, particularly the concept of "cognitive meaning-making" in the context of how individuals construct their understanding of the world through various stages of development. Kegan's work emphasizes the idea that meaning-making evolves as people encounter different experiences and challenges in life.

His model illustrates how adults move through increasingly complex stages of understanding, integrating their experiences into more sophisticated frameworks. This process involves reconciling personal meanings with societal expectations and dynamics, reflecting a developmental perspective on how individuals navigate their beliefs and perceptions. This focus on cognitive processes in meaning construction makes Kegan a central figure in conversations about how individuals grow and evolve intellectually and emotionally.

In contrast to Kegan, the other psychologists mentioned have different focal areas; for instance, Kohlberg's work is primarily centered around moral development, Loevinger is associated with ego development, and Maslow is known for his hierarchy of needs and humanistic psychology, which emphasizes self-actualization and motivation rather than specific cognitive meaning-making processes.