4.2.1 - cognitive approach

Question 1

Main assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• internal mental processes should be studied scientifically
• they should be studied by making inferences about peoples thought processes through their behaviour

Question 2

What is a schemea and what’s its role

Answer 2

• A schema is a packet of information or cognitive framework that helps us organise and interpret information.
• They are based on our previous experience, which help us interpret information quickly and efficiently.

Question 3

A03: schema limitation

Answer 3

Can lead to the distortion of information or generalisation of stimuli
- causes inaccuracies when remembering specific events or when quickly processing information as the schemas become more sophisticated.

Question 4

A03: schema strength

Answer 4

• help us to interpret information quickly and effectively which prevents us from being overwhelmed by the vast amount of info that we have to perceive in our environment

Question 5

How are theoretical computer models used to study internal processes

Answer 5

Information processing approach- states that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages:
Input ( stimulus ) -> processing ( thought ) -> output ( behavioural response )

Question 6

How are computer models used to explain thought processes

Answer 6

Uses the process of a computer and related it to the human mind
- believes that there is a coding process ( turning info into a usable format )
- and a storage process ( holds info )
These allow thoughts to occur and be held in the mind

Question 7

What is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 7

the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes, done through the use of brain scanning techniques such as fMRI.

Question 8

What is the aim of neuroscience

Answer 8

how the brain structures influence the way we process information and map mental cognitive functions to specific areas of the brain.

Question 9

How does neuroscience explain behaviour

Answer 9

Describes which part of the brain is used to process different scenarios

Question 10

A03: real life application

Answer 10

• strength

helped us understand the causes of depression and the approach also proposes a therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy which has shown to be effective for a range of mental disorders and unlike drugs has no side effects

Question 11

A03: scientific

Answer 11

• Strength
  High internal validity
  Very reliable
  Falsifiable
  Objective

Question 12

A03: machine reductionist

Answer 12

• limitation

does not take into account emotions and motivation which influence the processing of information and memory which can have a affect on performance