Approaches : Cognitive

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

argues that internal mental processes should be studied and can be.
Covers: memory, perception and thinking.
Processes are private and cant be observed so psychologists study them indirectly through inferences made by their behaviour.

Question 2

Theoretical and computer model

Answer 2

Computer model = when computer analogies used asa representation of huma cognition, suggesting in similarities how info is processed

Information processing approach, which suggest information flows through the cognitive system in stages (input, storage and retrieval)
This processing approach is based on the way computers function but in humans, to suggest similar processes in the mind,

Question 3

Schema

Answer 3

Info/beliefs that are from experience and influence cognitive processing
Act as a mental framework for interpretivng info you see
For eg: you have a schema for a chair, a thing with legs that you can sit on.
The older you are the more it develops and helps us process info fast and is a mental shortcut.

Question 4

Tulving et all

Answer 4

Used brain scans to identify that different types of memory ( short/long term memory) is located in different parts of the frontal cortex.

Scanning techniques help find neurological basis of some mental disorders.
Link between the parahippocampus and OCD is found, playing role in unpleasant emotions.

Question 5

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 5

Cognitive neuroscience

Study of influence of brain structure in mental processes.
Mapping brain areas to specific functions
Tulving: able to show how different type of long term memory may be located in different parts of the pre-frontal cortex
Scanning techniques help find neurological basis of some mental disorders.
Link between the parahippocampus and OCD is found, playing role in unpleasant emotions.

Question 6

Pros/ cons of schema

Answer 6

Pros of schema
helps us predict experiences
Helps us not be overwhelmed by loads of diff stimuli
Helps process lots of info

Cons of schema
can distort sensory info
Perceptual errors or inaccurate memories
Can cause biased recall
Negative schema can influence mental health

Question 7

Bulgeski and alampay

Answer 7

Bulgeski and alampay (1962)
2 groups of participants were shown photos
Either a number of different faces or animals
They were then show the ambiguous figure >
The rat man
People shown faces = saw figure as a man
People shown animals = saw figure as a rat
this is evident for. SCHEMA, the mental shortcut was created to process info, sometime sit may even distort our perceptions.

Question 8

Broca’s area

Answer 8

BROCA identified how damage to part of frontal lobe can impair speech production
Evidence of cognitive neuroscience working positively

Question 9

Pros cons of cognitive approach

Answer 9

Strengths:

Lab experiments to produce reliable objective behaviour.
Allows biological and cognitive ideas to merge
Soft determinism: recognises cognitive system functions on what we know already not more.

Limitations:
Machine reductionism: ignores influence of human emotion and motivation in cognitive system as it relies too much on operations of computer as a comparison.
Human memory for eg has been found to be influences by emotional factors, anxiety on eyewitnesses.
Non applicable to everyday life: only able to infer from mental processes seen in research.
May be too theoretical and experimental instead of reliable.
Lacks external validity