approaches: cognitive approach p2

Question 1

what are the 4 sections of the cognitive approach called?

Answer 1

• the study of internal mental processes
• the role of schema
• the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes
• the emergence of cognitive neuroscience

Question 2

what is ‘the study of internal mental processes’? (6 points)

Answer 2

• cognitive psychologists are interested in the way we think
• rejects behaviourism
• areas studied: memory, attention, perception
• study thinking in a scientific way
• they make inferences based on theory and experiments
• inference: making an indirect assumption that goes beyond evidence but os based on observable behaviour

Question 3

what is ‘the role of schema’? (4 points)

Answer 3

• a schema is a mental framework of beliefs and expectations created from experience
• they influence the way we think and the way we perceive/interpret information
• useful as they help us interpret info quickly e.g in school
• not useful as they distort reality e.g assuming all criminals are men

Question 4

what is ‘the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes’? (2 points)

Answer 4

• cognitive approach sees the mind as a processing machine e.g a computer (input, process, output)
• we can use computer/theoretical models to make inferences about internal processes e.g the multi store model of memory (sensory store -> short term memory -> long term memory)

Question 5

what is ‘the emergence of cognitive neuroscience’? (3 points)

Answer 5

• cognitive neuroscience maps brain structures and processes to cognitive functions
• 1870: brocas area
  1970: linking memory to brain areas
  2000: old linked to frontal lobe - decision making
  present day: brain finger printing
• brain finger printing: scanning the brain to detect criminals via their memory of the crime by showing relevant pictures or words and looking at brain wave patterns

Question 6

what are the 3 strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 6

• research support
• practical application
• scientific approach

Question 7

why is having research support a strength?

Answer 7

for example, there has been research into anorexia, depression and criminality. having a lot of support for the research increases its validity

Question 8

why is having practical application a strength?

Answer 8

for example, the cognitive approach is used in cognitive behavioual therapy (focusing on thoughts of patient) and neurorehabilitation (making the brain better). this increases the credibility of the approach as it can be used to help people and make a positive impact in society

Question 9

why is being a scientific approach a strength?

Answer 9

for example, the approach used lab experiments and brain scans. this increases the validity as the experiments are controlled which results in objective results to support the theories

Question 10

what are the limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 10

• machine reductionism
• there is evidence that other factors influence our behaviour (not just thinking)

Question 11

why is machine reductionism a limitation?

Answer 11

for example, the approach has reduced human beings to computers, ignoring emotion and its impact on behaviour. this decreases the validity as humans are more complex than computers so it is ignoring other things that may be important to explaining/understanding the theory

Question 12

why is other factors influencing our behaviour (not just thinking) a limitation?

Answer 12

for example, things like genetics, experiences and learning can all contribute into influencing us as people. this means the approach is less credible as not every aspect has been considered