Approaches - Cognitive approach to psychology

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• thought processes should be studied scientifically in a
  laboratory
• the mind works like a computer
  (has an input from our senses which it processes &
  produces an output in terms of language or behaviour)

Question 2

How can we test internal working processes?

Answer 2

• test for evidence that they are occurring in a laboratory

e. g. Baddeley’s word length study

Question 3

What are the problems with trying to study internal mental processes?

Answer 3

• they are not directly observable
• we rely on self-report methods to collect data
  
  • demand characteristics
  • social desirability bias
  • subjective
    > unreliable & limited validity
• studies have to be carefully planned & operationalised

Question 4

What are Schema?

Answer 4

• internal building blocks of knowledge
• mental representations of the world & information
• formed through experience & help understanding

Question 5

What are theoretical & computer models and how can they be used in psychology?

Answer 5

• models are visual representations of information
  e. g. Multi-Store Model of Memory
• they can be used to explain schema & internal mental
  processes visually
• tend to follow a set pattern
  e. g Sensory Input > Processing > Output

Question 6

How has cognitive neuroscience improved research?

Answer 6

• brain scanning technology has improved making the
  observation of internal mental processes more achievable
• brain scanning methods (e.g PET scans) are used to
  observe the brain whilst completing different tasks
• scans allow for the localisation of internal mental
  processes

Question 7

Example of using brain scans to observe internal mental processes

Answer 7

Paulesu: Memory
- brain scanned when using both ‘inner voice’ & ‘ear’
- brain scanned when using only ‘inner voice’
- different parts of the brain were active during the different
tasks

Question 8

Strengths of the cognitive approach to psychology

Answer 8

• uses experimental methods & emphasises use of
  objective measures
• some research has led to treatment
  (e. g. understanding of depression & CBT)

Question 9

Weaknesses of the cognitive approach to psychology

Answer 9

• use of lab studies means research lacks ecological
  validity
• use of models overly simplifies complex human thought &
  behaviour