Approaches(cognitive approach)

Question 1

The cognitive approach studies -

Answer 1

Ways in which we extract, store and retrieve information, these mental processes contribute to our information processing.

Question 2

These mental processes may include -

Answer 2

Attention (problem solving)
Thinking (using it to solve problems)

Question 3

The cognitive approaches recognises we cannot study these processes directly but must be indirectly through -

Answer 3

Inferring - means a logical conclusion based on evidence

Question 4

What is a schema?

Answer 4

A schema is a cognitive framework helping organise and interpret information in the brain. Schemas may be used on expectations of how to behave in different situations, they allow shortcuts when interpreting huge amounts of information.

Question 5

Schemas also help with -

Answer 5

Filling gaps in information about a person also

Question 6

Theoretical models and give an example -

Answer 6

Model of memory for example are simplified representations based on current evidence. These show particular mental processes.

Question 7

Emergence of cognitive neuroscience -

Answer 7

Rapid advances in the 21st century of brain scientists being able to study the brains activity. Giving detailed info about mental processes.

Question 8

What can non-invasive neuro imaging do?
- cognitive neuroscience

Answer 8

Study how the brain performs under certain circumstances for different mental processes, Burnett (2009) found that when people felt guilty the prefrontal cortex became active which may be linked with certain social emotions.

Question 9

Computer models -

Answer 9

The development of computers led to an understanding of how sensory information is coded as it passes through the system. Computer ahnalogy is how info is encoded into memory and and then combined with previously stored information.

Question 10

Has many useful applications - strength

Answer 10

Applied in many areas of psychology. Social psychology allows psychologists to have a better understanding of interpreting the actions of others. In psychopathology it is seen as useful in allowing dysfunctional behaviour to be linked back to faulty thinking. This then leads to successful treatment, from cognitive-based inventions of people suffering from disorders such as depression and OCD.

Question 10

Studies mainly lack ecological validity - limitation

Answer 10

Studies of cognitive psychology tend to have a little in common with the everyday experience, artificial test materials use relatively meaningless information (random word lists) rather than it being based on information that does matter in everyday situations (forgetting appointments).It then recognises that we can generalise these findings to real-life studies and lack ecological validity.