5 Approaches- Cognitive Flashcards
in the cognitive approach what is said to occur between a stimulus and response
mediational processes
what is used to explain mental processes?
the use of models e.g. memory
why are models used to explain mental processes?
-inner mental processes cannot be directly observed, models make inferences about the processes that cause certain behaviours so we can conceptualise what is happening in the mind
what do information processing models assume?
they assume that mental processes follow a clear, distinctive sequence.
how should thought processes be studied?
scientifically
-uses well controlled laboratory studies to investigate mental processes, objective and highly controlled methods
-inferences can then be made
what are inferences?
the process of drawing conclusions about general patterns of behaviour from specific observations
what are the four sections within the cognitive approach?
- the study of internal mental processes
- the role of schemas
- using theoretical and computer models
- the emergence of cognitive neuroscience
examples of internal processes that we study
attention, memory and decision-making
what do we understand about internal mental processes?
they are private and cannot be directly observed, making inferences about thought processes that lead to particular behaviours
what are inferences within the cognitive approach?
conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. cognitive psychologists use computer models to draw assumptions regarding mental processes from directly observing behaviour
what are schemas?
mental frameworks/ packages of information which contain ideas about the world that give us expectations/ rules about what to do.
how do schemas develop?
through experiences
how do people share similar schemas?
people from the same cultures can share similar schemas due to shared experiences, but personal experiences dictate the schemas we form
what is assimilation?
when new information is incorporated into pre-existing schemas
what is accommodation?
when existing schemas are altered or new schemas are formed as a person learns new information and has new experiences