The terms "psychological" and "cognitive" are not synonyms, although they are related in certain ways.
"Psychological" pertains to the mind and behavior in a broad sense. It encompasses emotions, personality traits, mental disorders, and social interactions. For example, a psychological study might look at the effects of stress on mental health or the development of personality over time. It focuses on the overall functioning and experiences of the individual.
"Cognitive," on the other hand, specifically refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding through perception, thinking, memory, and problem-solving. For instance, cognitive psychology studies how people perceive and remember information, make decisions, and solve problems. It is more narrowly focused on the intellectual aspects of mental functioning.
While there is some overlap between the two terms, as cognitive processes are part of the overall psychological makeup of a person, they are not interchangeable. Psychological phenomena can include non-cognitive aspects such as emotions and social influences, while cognitive phenomena are limited to specific mental processes related to knowledge and understanding.
In conclusion, although "psychological" and "cognitive" are related fields within the study of the mind, they have distinct meanings and are not synonyms.