CLOA Principles

Question 1

Principle 1

Answer 1

Human beings are information processors and mental processes guide behaviour.

Question 2

Describe principle 1

Answer 2

People are active information processors, they perceive and interpret what is going on around them which is based on what they already know. There is a relationship between representations and the way people perceive and think about the world.

Question 3

Explain which study supports principle 1

Answer 3

Schema Theory
Supports this principle as schemas increase efficiency of processing through providing us with expectations about situations based on our past experiences. Therefore, we are able to process and understand incoming information quickly and in turn know how to behave in the situation based on what we already know.

Question 4

Principle 2

Answer 4

The mind can be studied scientifically

Question 5

Describe principle 2

Answer 5

Cognitive psychologists use of number on scientific methods to study the mind. The most used for a long time was the lab experiment as it was considered the most scientific.

Question 6

Explain which study supports principle 2

Answer 6

Loftus and Palmer
They performed a lab experiment to test reconstructive memory in relation to eye witness testimony. The aim being to see if leading questions could distort memory.
Supports this principle in that through using a controlled scientific method they were able to show how cognitive theories (reconstructive memory) can be applied to real life situations (eye-witness testimony).

Question 7

Principle 3

Answer 7

Cognitive processes are influence by social and cultural factors

Question 8

Describe principle 3

Answer 8

Research has shown that cognitive processes are influences by sociocultural factors. Bartlett (1932) introduced the concept of ‘cultural schemas’ in memory research. Suggested that schemas influence memory as they lead to distortions or ‘reconstructive memory’. Other researchers suggest that the environment in which we live leads to specific cultural and social demands that influence the way we process information. DiMaggio (1977) suggests that schemas are representations of knowledge and mechanisms that simplify cognition in the form of ‘cognitive shortcuts’ that are shaped by culture. Schematic cognition is shaped and biased by culture.

Question 9

Explain which study supports principle 3

Answer 9

Schema Theory

It suggested that cultural schemas guide and influence memory.