5.4 The cognitive approach

Question 1

How did the cognitive approach come about? Why?

Answer 1

Behaviourism started to decline in the 1960s

Computers were starting to become more complex

Question 2

Explain the purpose of the following diagram.
Input –> Processing –> Output
|–> Storage

Answer 2

Theoretical computer models were used to explain cognition

Question 3

Explain the idea behind the schema theory?

Answer 3

A schema is a mental ‘plan’ consisting of expectations. We use it to make decisions and make sense of the world.

Question 4

Recent advances in scanning, cognitive neuroscience, have led to us being able to do what?
What does this mean?

Answer 4

See the physical ‘modules’ in the brain.

They are no longer just theoretical boxes in a diagram.

Question 5

Define PET.

How much does it cost per scan?

Answer 5

Positron Emission Tomography

£2000

Question 6

Define fMRI.

How much does it cost per scan?

Answer 6

functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

£500

Question 7

what do we base cognitive psychology on?

Answer 7

based on a computer metaphor

we try to understand the mind by comparing it to a computer

Question 8

cognitive psychology: what is memory?

Answer 8

human memory can most broadly be defined as the process by which we retain information about events that have happened in the past

Question 9

list three basic assumptions of the cognitive approach.

Answer 9

thought processes determine behaviour (i.e we have some degree of control over our behaviour)
internal mental processes: the role of schemas, theoretical computer models
cognitive neuroscience: an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions.

Question 10

when looking at the cognitive approach, nature and/or nurture?

Answer 10

Both.
Nature and Nurture: thought processes may be a product of innate factors or our experiences. We all share the same means of cognitive processing, but some problems may arise when people develop irrational thoughts and beliefs as a result of their experiences.

Question 11

when looking at the cognitive approach, scientific or nonscientific? (methods and theories; explain)

Answer 11

cognitive psychology aligns itself with the scientific method, despite some inference.
Most propositions can be easily tested. However, because mental processes are largely unobservable, a great deal of inference is necessary to develop models of cognitive processing

Question 12

when looking at the cognitive approach, determinism or free will?

Answer 12

Free will:
Behaviour is determined by our own thought processes, which determine our behaviour. Therefore the individual has some degree of control over his or her behaviour

Question 13

when looking at the cognitive approach, reductionism or holism?

Answer 13

Experimental reductionism:

Behaviour is investigated in terms of isolated variables (e.g capacity of STM)

Question 14

positive evaluations/strengths of the cognitive approach.

Answer 14

Cognitive approach has applications, e.g cognitive approach to psychopathology
Cognitive approach is scientific, i.e it used the scientific method

Question 15

negative evaluations/limitations of the cognitive approach.

Answer 15

There are many differences between computer processing and human processing e.g computers do not make mistakes
The cognitive approach ignores emotion and motivation, irrelevant to a computer but not to a human
Most research uses tasks that are relatively meaningless in real-life settings.

Question 16

define cognitive

Answer 16

relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning

Question 17

what is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 17

an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions

Question 18

what do we mean when we use the term ‘computer model’

Answer 18

refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition

Question 19

define inference/inferring

Answer 19

reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 20

what is a schema

Answer 20

a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain.
schemas help an individual to make sense of new information

Question 21

what is a theoretical model, how do we use them?

Answer 21

in cognitive psychology, models are simplified, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence

Question 22

summarise the study of internal mental processes through the cognitive approach

Answer 22

mental processes cannot be studied directly so must be inferred
schemas help to organise and interpret information
schemas fill gaps in the absence of full information
theoretical models are simplified representations based on current evidence
computer models of mental processes - analogies of information processing where information is inputted through the senses, encoded into memory etc..