cog approach Flashcards
assumptions of cog approach
*mental processes affect behaviour- thoughts, memories and perception these studied scientifically allowing interferences 6to made
*mind works like computer- input from senses, which is processed, produces an output and specific behavior
Feature one- study of internal mental processes
*argues that internal mental processes can be studied scientifically
*by investigating memory, perception and thinking
What are interferences
*where cognitive psychologist
* go beyond the immediate evidence
*to draw logical assumptions
*about how internal mental processes drive our behaviour,
*based on observed behaviour
Feature two- use of theoretical and computer models
*mind functions like a computer
*input- info processing- ouput
*models can be use to provide testable theories, can be studied scientifcally, inferences made.
What determines how we respond to information
*how we process information
Whats one example of an important theoretical model in psych
Multi- store Model, suggests thta memory has sep unitary stores and that info flows linearly.
What are schemas
*form of internal mental processes
*mental representations- created thru unique knowledge and exp.
*stored in the LTM
*can change thru life- become more detailed thru experience.
Advantage and disadvantage of use of schemas
Advantage- help make quick decisions w/o overwhelming us.
Dis- can affect recall/EWT- may recall what EXPECTED to happen rather than what acc happened.
Evaluate the cog approach
Strengths:
P- praised for soft determinism
E- suggests that behavior is caused by internal mental processes, we have a choice over our behavior for eg being able to reason and make conscious decisions within the limits of what we know, compared to bio approach that suggests that behaviour is determined by genes.
E- could be benefinicial as indi feel more in control, feel possible to alter faulty thought processes for ex ppl w dep
L-making cog exp a more a app and positive approach
P-scientific methods
E- uses scientific enquiry to inv human behaviour. Research based on objective and em tech like brain scans and lab exp to investigate int mental processes and make inferences that have high control over EX.
E- allows to establish cause and effect between int processes and behaviours
L- increases overall int validity, rasining psych scientific status
P- practical applocations
E- principle of theory that behvaiour caused by int mental processes has lead to CBT
E- Effective in treating conditions like dep in which patients able to disputre irrational thoughts and neg schema.
L- important part of applied psych as it helps to treat ppl
+helps the economy as ppl are able to go backt to work, increasing wages and tax payments
Limitation:
P- machine reductionism
E- cog approacvh breaks down complex human behaviours of ingt mental processes into simple basic unkitfs of input- process- output.
E-Ignores the influence of holism and emotions on int mental processes eg anxiety in EWT.
L- comparing the mind to a computer weakens the cog approach as we cant understand bhevaiour in context.
