approaches lessons 5-8 Flashcards
what are the key features of the cognitive approach
Behaviour is influenced by internal mental processes
Mental processes can involve schemas
Theoretical and computer models are used
neural mechanisms can be combined with cognitive processes: (Cognitive neuroscience)
what are inferences about cognitive mental processes
going beyond the immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed.
what are schemas
packets of information or cognitive frameworks that are developed through experiences and expectations about how we should behave. they can help us organise and interpret vast amounts of information.
what are role and event schemas
role: schema about behaviour that is expected from a particular role
event: schema about what to expect from an event
evaluation of cognitive approach
advantages: emphasises lab experiments when collecting data so there is a high level of control and cause and effect can be identified so research is objective.
disadvantages: does not give full picture and scientists still need to make inferences about cognitive processing which might be based on limited information. idea of soft determinism as behaviour is being constrained to internal cognitive factors and ignores biological factors
evaluation of schemas
ADV: research support from study whereby english pps asked to read native american folk tale called the war of the ghosts which was strange story. pps had to read story and recall after different lengths of time. results show all english pps changed story to fit own schema. order was changed to become more logical and ghosts were left out. words changed from canoes to cars and bows to guns.
DIS: pps may be affected by demand characteristics as they might have guessed the aim of study. Biased sample as only used english pps which cannot be generalised to other cultures.
similarities and differences between computer and mind
similarities: both have memory, input, output. both can malfunction
differences: ones metal and plastic the other is organic. one needs plugging in other does not. one has limited memory other has unlimited
information processing model
input: senses code information from environment
processing: information processed via schemas
output: behavioural response occurs
What is cognitive neuroscience
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the influence of brain structure on mental processes. It is done by mapping out areas of the brain to locate specific cognitive functions. An example is the work of broca in discovering brocas area. Nowadays FMRI and PET scans are used to do so.
evaluation of the use of theoretical computer models
advantages: can be applied to practical and theoretical contexts and has helped with development of AI and robots. emphasises scientific methods and lab studies which give high levels of control and so cause and effect can be established.
disadvantages: not accurate to compare humans to computer models as it simplifies the behaviour being examined and so is an example of machine reductionism. Additionally computers are mechanic and have no free will so can’t be compared to humans in that aspect.
evaluation of cognitive neuroscience
ADV: Cognitive neuroscience uses empirical methods (like fMRI and PET scans), which is highly scientific and objective. Brain scanning is replicable and produces quantifiable data which increases internal validity.
DIS: Cause and effect not established as brain scans show which areas are active, but they don’t prove that a region causes a behavior. Much of the research uses highly controlled, artificial tasks, such as memorising random word lists which lowers ecological validity.
genetics definition
extent to which a psychological characteristic is determined by genes or the environment
genotype definition
genetic code written in the DNA of cells which are inherited from biological parents.
phenotype definition
the characteristics of an individual determined by expression of physical, behavioural and psychological traits
evaluation of genetics
advantages: gene mapping can help psychologists locate genes on chromosomes which is highly scientific and objective. It can help psychologists screen people to see if they carry genes for certain illnesses.
disadvantages: it is reductionist as it takes complex human behaviour like IQ and reduces it down to small components alone such as genes
role of genes in developing SZ — twin studies by gottesmann and shields
gottesmann and shields investigated 224 twins over 25 years. 106 MZ and 118 DZ. conducted in london hospital. study relied that one twin has SZ and concordance rates were investigated to see likelihood second twin would get it. they used interviews and doctors notes. results were 48% of MZ twins were both concordant and 17% of DZ twins were concordant for SZ
evaluation of gottesmann and shields study
advantages: longitudinal study so pps could be tracked and monitored over long periods of time. study supports biological approach as results supports the argument that SZ can be passed by genetics
disadvantages: results ignores behavioural approach as identical twins often copy and model each others behaviour so it could be the healthy twin copied SZ behaviour rather than getting the illness via genetics.
what is evolution by charles darwin
darwin focussed on natural selection and adaptiveness to environment over time. mutation can occur which gives favourable characteristics passed on to offspring so they live and reproduce. lea found that aggression is genetic as a warrior gene is found within genotype of 33% males.
evaluation of evolutionary approach
advantages: heavily supported by Darwin and survival of the fittest as it helps explain how certain traits becomes adaptive within a species. species compete with each other for the best mate to reproduce with to maximise chances of healthy offspring produced.
disadvantages: does not clearly explain some behaviours and how or why they might be adaptive. for example OCD has been found to be genetic but it is not clear how it is adaptive and can help aid survival of the fittest.
research study on sexual selection by buss
investigated what males and females looked for in long term partner. 10000 pps across 37 cultures. had to rate 18 characteristics using 4 point scale. results found females desired males with good financial prospects, resources and ambition. males valued females who had reproductive value and were fertile. all males universally wanted females who were younger than them.
evaluation of research by buss
advantages: Very large sample size and cross cultural validity as 37 cultures assessed and it showed from an evolutionary perspective females wanted to be protected and cared for.
disadvantages: research by buller criticised idea of females wanting males with financial prospects when in todays society females are independent and have their own resources.
What are biological structures roles in behaviour
CNS consists of brain and spinal cord and controls breathing and heart rate
PNS sends and receives messages from CNS to other parts of the body like limbs
The brain has 4 lobes with different functions.
evaluation of biological structures
advantages: Studies use scans such as pet and mri and post mortem studies which which is very scientific and objective
disadvantages: A problem is that psychologists don’t know 100% of the brain and its functions so could be difficult to identify which part of the brain causes behaviours. Cause and effect not established as can psychologists be sure brain malfunctioning is causing behaviour to occur.
brain structure: neural correlate study by swayze
swayze reviewed 50 studies of SZ patients and examined brain using MRI. they found SZ patients had structural abnormalities in the brain such as a decrease in brain weight and enlarged ventricles and smaller hypothalamus.
