Approaches - Cognitive

Question 1

Intro to Cognitive psychology

Answer 1

Focuses on internal mental processes
Studies thinking, memory, perception, problem-solving, and attention.
Developed in 1960s as a response to behaviourism
Uses scientific methods to investigate the human mind

Question 2

Internal Mental Processes

Answer 2

Private actions or processes of the mind
Mediate between stimulus and response
Include perception, memory, language etc
Cannot be directly observed but can be studied indirectly

Question 3

Role of inferences

Answer 3

Inferences: drawing conclusions about mental processes based on observable behaviour
Allow cognitive psychologists to study the mind scientifically
Use lab experiments and other methods to investigate mental processes
E.g. rat man study

Question 4

Computer models in cognitive psychology

Answer 4

Use computer analogies to represent human thinking
Information processing model: input, process, store, retrieve
Helps explain mental processes in terms of information flow

Question 5

Cognitive Theoretical models

Answer 5

Simplified representations of mental processes based on research
Help explain and predict cognitive functions
E.g. Multi-store model of memory
Shows how information moves through different memory stores

Question 6

Role of Schemas

Answer 6

Organised units of knowledge developed through experience
Helps is make sense if the world and predict what will happen
Can influence perception and memory
Both helpful and potentially limiting

Question 7

Schema evaluation

Answer 7

Benefits:
Process information quickly, make predictions, simplify complex environments

Limitations:
Can distort perception, lead to stereotypes, cause errors in memory
Impact on eyewitness testimony

Question 8

Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 8

Combines cognition and biological processes
Studies influence of brain structures on mental processes
Uses brain scanning techniques (fMRI, PET scans)
Links specific brain areas to cognitive functions

Question 9

Research methods in Cognitive Psychology

Answer 9

Lab-based experiments (Rat man, memory capacity tests)
Case studies (patient CW, HM, KF)
Brain scanning technology

Question 10

Applications of Cognitive Psychology

Answer 10

Improving memory and learning techniques
Developing better use interfaces for tech
Understanding and treating cognitive disorders
Enhancing decision-making processes

Question 11

Future directions for cognitive psychology

Answer 11

Artificial intelligence, virtual reality in cognitive research