Approaches: The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What is the cognitive approach about?

Answer 1

to investigate the internal processes of the mind, and to find the variables that mediate between stimuli/input and response/output

Question 2

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 2

• the mind works like a computer: inputting, processing, storing, and retrieving data
• cognitive processes are what mediates between stimuli/input and response/output

Question 3

What methods do cognitive psychologists us?

Answer 3

experimental methods and case studies

Question 4

What is the information processing approach?

Answer 4

suggests that information flows through the mind in stages: input, processing, storage, and retrieval

Question 5

What are theoretical models?

Answer 5

simplified representations of cognitive processes based on research, usually shown as a diagram

Question 6

What is inference?

Answer 6

an act of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning

Question 7

How do psychologists make inferences about cognitive processes?

Answer 7

• cognitive processes cannot be directly measured/observed
• so by manipulating input (environmental stimuli and measuring output (behaviour/response) mental processes can be inferred
• psychologists can work out what mental processes are most likely to have occurred

Question 8

How are models updated and refined?

Answer 8

based on new research

Question 9

What are computer models?

Answer 9

models that suggest computers and the mind both process information in a similar way: input/coding → storage/processing → output/response

Question 10

What are the similarities and differences between a computer and the mind?

Answer 10

• similarities: both process information, both involve input and output, both involve storing information in memory
• differences: computers are made of metal/plastic but the mind is organic, computers have limited memory but the mind has unlimited memory

Question 11

How are computer programmes developed?

Answer 11

to simulate human cognitive processes

Question 12

How have computational models been proven useful?

Answer 12

in developing thinking machines such as AI

Question 13

What is a schema?

Answer 13

a cognitive framework that helps us organise information in the world around us

Question 14

What is a schema based on?

Answer 14

beliefs, expectations, and experiences

Question 15

What is the role of the schema?

Answer 15

• helps us process vast amounts of information quickly
• allows us to predict what might happen, based on past experiences
• allows us to fill in the gaps if we have incomplete information about a person, situation, or event based on previously gained knowledge

Question 16

What is a problem of schemas?

Answer 16

they can be based on stereotypes, which may lead us to incorrect assumptions about specific instances

Question 17

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 17

cognitive neuroscience aims to address how psychological functions are produced by neural circuits in the brain

Question 18

When and why did cognitive neuroscience emerge?

Answer 18

20th century, due to advancements in technology

Question 19

What techniques does cognitive neuroscience use?

Answer 19

• case studies: tend to study individuals who have suffered brain damage
• brain scans include: position emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imagine (FMRI)
• cognitive tests conducted (such as memory tests) while brain is being scanned, where the results are then compared to normal controls, so inferences could be made on the causes of any abnormalities

Question 20

What does cognitive neuroscience combine?

Answer 20

• physiological psychology
• neuropsychology
• cognitive psychology

Question 21

Strength of the cognitive approach: contribution to society

Answer 21

• gained understanding of psychopathology (mental illness)
• developed treatment of psychological disorders, such as cognitive behavioural therapy to treat anxiety and depression (where negative thoughts are challenged)
• can improve cognitive processes such as memory

Question 22

Strength of the cognitive approach: brain scans in cognitive neuroscience

Answer 22

• objective (unbiased)
• accurate (machines)
• brain scans of normal people can be compared to abnormal people to make inferences on what has caused abnormality

Question 23

Weakness of the cognitive approach: validity of inferences

Answer 23

• cannot directly measure or observe cognitive processes
• based on inferences, so there is no way of proving them to be true
• we cannot know for sure how cognitive processes work
• count: brain scans

Question 24

Weakness of the cognitive approach: mechanistic

Answer 24

• the assumption that human minds work in the same way as computers is restricted and mechanistic
• there is a narrow focus where social and emotional factors are ignored