The cognitive school of psychology found it helpful to liken the brain to a(n):

The cognitive school of psychology often likens the brain to a computer. This analogy is based on the idea that, like a computer, the brain processes information, stores memories, and retrieves data. In this view, cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving are akin to the operations of a computer - input (information received), processing (thinking and reasoning), and output (decisions and actions taken).

This metaphor helps to illustrate how cognitive psychologists study mental functions by drawing parallels to information processing systems. The focus on mental operations has led to significant advancements in understanding how humans think, learn, and remember, consequently influencing educational practices, artificial intelligence, and various fields related to human behaviors. This analogy emphasizes the structured and systematic nature of cognitive functions, highlighting the brain's capacity to manage and manipulate information, similar to a sophisticated computing device.