Approaches-cognitive approach Flashcards
what does the cognitive approach argue about mental process
the cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes should be studied scientifically through observable behaviour
how does the mind process information
the mind actively processes information from our senses
what can humans be seen as
humans can be seen as data processing machines
how are humans and computers similar
As stimuli are like inputs which the mind processes and behaviour is like an output
what is cognitive neuroscience and how has it evolved
studying the influence of brain structure on mental processes
its developed through advances in brain imaging techniques eg-Fmri scans
what are schemas
schemas are an example of top-down information
they are mental frameworks used to organise past experiences and to interpret and respond to new information
why are schemes an example of “top-down information”
they provide us with expectations of what will happen rather than having us process every single detail all the time
how do schemas allow us to make sense of ambiguous situations
schemas allow us to make sense of ambiguous situations by “filling in gaps” in our knowledge
what happens to our schemas overtime
as we age they become more sophisticated to cover more situations
how do we process information in cognitive psychology
input, process then output
nmonic for information processiing
Perception-processing stimuli in the environment
Attention-selecting which stimulus to focus on
Memory-storing information in the mind
do mental processes occur in sequence or in parallel
Mental processes occurring in sequence means that each mental process happens one after the other, for example perceiving an environment, then paying attention to it, then making a decision and then undertaking a behaviour.
Mental processes occurring in parallel means when mental processes happen at the same time, for example seeing and hearing something at the same time.
what does inferring mean
drawing conclusions about the way mental processes operate based on observale behaviour
how does the cognitive approach study behavior
it goes beyond immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed so must be studied indirectly by inferring what goes on because of observable behavior
what are theoretical models
visual representations that are based on current research evidence
they help researchers simplify and study complex behaviors
what do theoretical models create which try explain behavior
models eg-diagrams or flowcharts which shows how information is passed between stores and the different systems that manipulate it
why are diagrams and flowcharts in theoretical models good
as certain stages can be tested individually
-if the data from the experiment does not fit the model it can be adjusted-falsifiability
what do computer models allow mental processes to be thought of as
inputting-> processing/ storing -> output
As stimuli are like inputs which the mind processes and behaviour is like an output
what is cognitive neuroscience
cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of neurological structures, mechanisms and chemistry
what do neuroscientists argue these neurological structures are responsible for
neuroscientists argue these neurological features are responsible for out cognitions
how do neuroscientists map the brain for function
(localisation of function)
localisation of function is mapped using brain scanning techniques eg-PET scan-patients are asked to complete cognitive tasks whist brain scanning is taking place
-they look at neurotypical individuals who have experienced brain damage from trauma. They look at how there behaviour has changed and can therefore infer what the different brain structures do (they can see if cognitive functions are localised to particular areas of the brain)
what is developmental cognitive neuroscience
cognitive abilities based on brain development are studied and examined
this is useful for child development so you can put interventions in place
what are practical applications of cognitive neuroscience
brain scanning techniques have been used to study mental processing in patients with mental health problems
links have been made with damage to different areas and disordered behaviour
this allows treatments and support for people with mental health issues
what are practical applications of cognitive neuroscience
brain plasticity is the idea that the brain can change and adapt
research has shown the more years someone is in education the more likely they are to achieve disability free recovery after brain damage
by using techniques which encourage new neuronal pathways this has lead to neurohabilitation which has helped people with brain damage to recover
this means they can go back to work and pay taxes
what is some supporting evidence of the cognitive approach
it uses rigorous scienctific methods eg-PET and fMRI scans
-means IV is only thing affecting DV
-empirical evidence as they make inferences based on observable behaviour
-have falsifiable theories eg-theoretical models
what are some criticisms or supporting evidence
lack ecological validity-in an a artificial contrived situation which is not true to how we measure thought processes in real life
debates
in booklet
what are some applications to the cognitive approach IRL
lead to therapies eg-CBT
this means you can rehabilitate people so they go back to work and pay taxes
what are some applications to the cognitive approach IRL
led to reforms in police procedure as it introduced cognitive interview which means theres less money wasted on the wrong part of the judicial system eg-EWT
Supporting evidence for the use of schemas
War of ghosts
