CLOA - how and why particular research methods are used in CLOA

Question 1

research methods used in CLOA

Answer 1

• experimental studies (using scientific method)
• neurophysiological studies (e.g. brain imaging)
• other methods: computer modelling of cognitive theories

Question 2

experimental studies

Answer 2

• manipulates the IV to test its effect on a DV
• used because they show clear causation between variables
• thus showing clear cause-effect
• can easily isolate cognitive processes b.c. well-controlled study

Question 3

example of a typical experimental study

Answer 3

Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)

• participants were given list of words to memorize
• were tested on recall

Question 4

evaluation of typical experimental studies

Answer 4

• high internal validity
• low ecological validity
• informed consent should always be sought
• some experimental studies have greater ethical issues (e.g. Loftus et al., 1987) as they are potentially upsetting

Question 5

neurophysiological studies

Answer 5

i. e. correlational studies
- uses observational method
- allows researchers to link cognitive processes to neurological structures
- helps to understand where cognitive processes are located
- thus findings can be generalized to real life situations

Question 6

example of a typical neurophysiological study

Answer 6

Maguire et al. (2000)

- used MRI scans to compare the size of the hippocampus between experienced taxi drivers and regular people

Question 7

evaluation of typical neurophysiological studies

Answer 7

Evaluation of neurophysiological studies:

• the patterns established are correlations between psychological phenomena and neural activation
• furthermore, due to limitations of the nature of tech used, fMRI scans do not directly represent brain activity
• Purves et al (2008): fMRI scans are based on computer models that make complex (and often disputed) assumptions