Approaches - Cognitive

Question 1

what are the assumptions

Answer 1

• internal mental processes can and should be studied
• internal processes are private and cannot be observed so inferences are made

Question 2

what are schemas

Answer 2

• mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing
• developed from experience

Question 3

what is the role of schemas

Answer 3

• enable us to processes information quickly
• prevents us from becoming overwhelmed
• can distort our perceptions

Question 4

what are inferences

Answer 4

• processes whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour

Question 5

what are theoretical and computer models

Answer 5

• information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages - multi store model of memory
• information processing based on how computers process
• development of artificial intellegience

Question 6

what is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 6

scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes

Question 7

how did cognitive neuroscience emerge

Answer 7

1860s - Paul brocah identified how damage to Broca’s area (frontal lobe) could impair speech production
- advances in brain imaging fMRI, PET
- types of long term memory associated in different areas of the brain
- neurological basis of some disorders

Question 8

what are the strengths of the cognitive approach

Answer 8

Scientific methods
- highly controlled and rigorous study methods
- lab studies
- cognitive neuroscience enables biology and cognitive psychology together
- credible scientific basis

Real World application
- contribution to robots and artificial intelligence
- treatment of depression, schizophrenia

Question 9

what are the limitations of the cognitive approach

Answer 9

Machine reductionism
- ignores influence of human emotion and motivation on cognitive system
- comparing human mind which is much more complex to a computer