Approaches - The Cognitive Approach Flashcards

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1
Q

What does the cognitive approach suggest

A

Internal mental processes can and should be studied in a scientific way and this can be through making inferences and based n observed behaviour

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2
Q

What does the cognitive approach mean ?

A

The term cognitive means mental processes

This approach is focused on how our metal processes such as thoughts perceptions and attention impact behaviour

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3
Q

What are internal mental processes

A

Private operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.

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4
Q

What is the schema

A

A mental framework of beliefs and explanations that influence cognitive processing. They are developed from experience.

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5
Q

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach

A

Mind actively processes information from our senses

Internal and mental processes should be studied scientifically and objectively. They are separate from the brain

Meditational processes occurr between stimulus and response - what is happening between input into mind and out put of human behaviour

Humans are information processors and therefore resemble computers – information is
transformed, stored, and retrieved from memory.

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6
Q

Give an example of a cognitive framework

A

The schema

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7
Q

What is the role of the schema

A

Help organise and interpret information in the brain

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8
Q

What are schemas learned through

A

They are learned through experience and become more sophisticated through time

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9
Q

A persons expectation or beliefs can be influenced by what ?

A

Cognitive processes

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10
Q

What do schemas allow us to do which is a positive

A

Allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information quickly and efficiently

This prevents us from being overwhelmed by
environment stimuli, thus avoiding sensory overload

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11
Q

What can schemas lead to that could be seen as a negative

A

Perceptual errors and stereotypes where we make assumptions about people based on incomplete information because our schema can distort our interpretation of sensory information

Distorted perceptions

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12
Q

What do cognitive psychologists often do to study internal processes ?

A

They often develop models

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13
Q

What do theoretical models like the information processing approach suggest

A

Information flows through a sequence of stages that includes input storage and retrieval
Eg - the multi store model of memory

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14
Q

What are computer models ?

A

Programmes that run on the computer and imitate the human mind
Computer a metaphor for the human mind

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15
Q

What is the use of computer models

A

Psychologists can test whether their theories or hypotheses about information processing and mental processes are correct

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16
Q

What i an example of a computer being similar to human mind

A

Computer uses coding to store information, humans use coding to store memories in different formats, semantic or acoustic

17
Q

What is cognitive neuroscience

A

The fusion of the cognitive approach anf biology

It is the scientific study of the influence of Brain structures that are responsible for cognitive processes

18
Q

How are neuroscientist now able to study the human brain

A

using brain imaging technology like positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). These help psychologists understand the neurological basis of mental processing.

19
Q

What has the focus of neuroscience now shifted towards to

A

The use of computer generate models that are designed to read the Brain.

20
Q

What have the computer generate models lead to ?

A

The development of brain finger printing which is a mind mapping technique

21
Q

What is a strength of the cognitive approach (practical)

A

The cognitive approach has been used in the treatment of psychological disorders.
explains
how faulty thinking processes can cause illnesses such a depression.

The cognitive approach has therefore led to the development of successful treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

This shows that the cognitive approach has improved the lives of many individuals suffering from illnesses like depression.

22
Q

What is another strength of the cognitive approach (scientific)

A

The cognitive approach employs highly scientific and objective methods.

For example, lab experiments are used to produce reliable and objective data such as Peterson and Peterson’s research into the duration of memory.

High control of variables in experiments such as these mean that cause and effect can be easily established.
increases the validity of the results,
increases the support for the cognitive approach.

23
Q

what is a limitation of the cognitive approach

A

been criticised by many for being reductionist.

Although there are similarities between the human mind and a computer, this machine reductionism ignores other influences on cognition and how these affect mental processes.

Eg effect anxiety has an impact on accuracy of EWT.

This shows that the human mind is more complex than a machine

24
Q

What is anther limitation of the cognitive approach (everyday life)

A

It is difficult to apply the research from this approach to everyday life.

Making inferences about cognitive processes still involves some degree of subjective judgement about an abstract concept

and experiments often use artificial stimuli such as word lists to test memory.

The research from this approach may lack external validity. This in turn limits the usefulness of the cognitive approach as a whole.

25
Q

What is a strength of the cognitive approach (determinism)

A

The cognitive approach is less deterministic than other approaches.

is founded on soft determinism as it recognises that our cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know, but that we are free to think before responding to a stimulus.

more reasonable position than the hard determinism suggested by some other approaches where our behaviour is controlled by other things such as the unconscious mind, our environment or biology.

26
Q

Explain inference

A

When cognitive psychologists make assumptions about mental processes that cannot directly be observed.

For example cognitive psychologists are unable to directly observe processes like memory
Use observable behaviour to make inferences
Helps in producing theories

27
Q

Research methods evaluation of cognitive approach

A

High degree of control over variables
Cause and effect relationship established

Variables operationalised and processes standardised - measurements and finding more accurate and objective
Research easily replicated enhances reliability

Use of human rather than animals

Artificial stimuli in research
Ecological validity decreases