Approaches:Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are the 4 key assumptions of the cognitive approach?
-internal mental processes can be studied by making inferences based on behaviour
-to explain behaviour we must refer to thought processes
-thought processes should be studied scientifically
-the mind can be compared to a computer
What are the internal mental processes referred to in the approach?
memory , perception and thinking
What is an inference?
making assumptions from observable behaviour about unobservable mental processes
inferring relies on going beyond immediate research evidence
Describe the study of internal mental processes
2 points
-psychologists apply scientific methods in order to make inferences about the thought processes that lead to our behaviour
-they can then draw conclusions about the way these thought processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour
What is a schema?
How do they develop and what influence do they have?
a mental framework of our expectations and beliefs
they have developed through our personal experiences and they influence our cognitive processing
What are the advantages and disadvantages of schemas?
2 of each
Advantages:
-enable people to predict future events based on their experiences meaning we can respond appropriately to novel info in the environment
-enables us to process lots of info rapidly
Disadvantages:
-can lead to us having negative interpretations of ourselves and others
-can lead to perceptual errors
What are the two types of model used to represent the mind?
computational and theoretical models
What theoretical model does the approach include?
Describe it
Information Processing Model
input–processing–output
(stimuli–info is coded–behavioural response)
the model suggests information flows through our cognitive system in a sequence of stages
What is cognitive neuroscience?
make 2 other points about its emergence and make 1 point about its application
the study of how brain structures influence mental processes
-cognitive and biological processes can be integrated to explain behaviour
-advances in scanning techniques allowed this area of psych to rapidly develop over the last 20 years
-use of scanning techniques to locate different memory types in different brain areas has led to development of treatments for memory problems
What are the 2 strengths of this approach?
+there is supporting evidence that uses scientific and objective methods
-studies use highly controlled lab experiments to allow psychologists to be confident about their inferences
-means study of the mind is a credible scientific discipline
+prac apps
-approach has been applied to a wide range of contexts such as informing treatments for depression
-means the approach has high external validity
What are 2 weaknesses of this approach?
-research lacks ecological validity
use of lab experiments can be artificial due to the context and type of task performed so thought processes measured may not be reflective of everyday thought processes , challenges external validity
-oversimplifies complex processes
comparison to a computer means complex processes are oversimplified and emotions are often overlooked
means its not a complete approach to explaining behaviour
