Cognitive

Question 1

what is the focus of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

this approach is focused on how our mental processes affect behaviour

Question 2

what does internal mental processes mean

Answer 2

private actions/processes of the mind. Eg, attention and thoughts

Question 3

what does inference mean

Answer 3

drawing a conclusion about the way mental processes work by making assumptions based on observable behaviour

Question 4

explain what a schema is

Answer 4

packages of information about objects, actions or concepts which develop and change through experience

Question 5

why can schemas sometimes be problematic

Answer 5

they can often distort our interpretation of sensory information

Question 6

whats the definition for a theoretical model

Answer 6

a diagrammatic representation of the steps involved in internal mental processes

Question 7

explain theoretical models

Answer 7

• attempt to explain the way internal mental processes work as a simplified representation
• they often show the stages of a particular mental process
• for example, the multi store model of memory

Question 8

whats the definition of computer models

Answer 8

refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition. This suggests the mind works like a computer

Question 9

explain computer models

Answer 9

• our senses take in information much like the keyboard and mouse of a computer
• our mind processes the information juts like a CPU in a computer
• we have a behavioural output similar to a computer showing changes on a screen and speakers

Question 10

give 3 limitations of the computer analogy

Answer 10

• humans are influenced by emotional and motivational factors whereas computers are not
• humans have an unlimited yet unreliable memory whereas the computer memory is limited but very reliable
• humans have free will but bomputers do not

Question 11

what is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 11

the scientific study of the influence of brain structures in mental processes

Question 12

why has cognitive neuroscience emerged

Answer 12

• due to advances in brain imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans
• this allows scientists to study the neurobiological basis of mental processes

Question 13

give an example of a specific brain area that is associated with particular actions

Answer 13

brocas area in the frontal lobe

• linked with speech production

Question 14

give 2 practical applications of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 14

• use of scanning / imaging techniques to locate different types of memory in different areas of the brain
• use of scanning / imaging techniques to study mental process in patients with depression or OCD

Question 15

give one strength of the cognitive approach

PEEL

Answer 15

• uses objective scientific methods
• eg, often use lab studies to produce reliable, objective data. Cognitive neuroscience also enhanced the scientific basis of the approach as it combines both cognitive and biological fields
• this reduces the effect of extraneous variables
• the cognitive approach has a credible scientific basis

Question 16

give one limitation of the cognitive approach

PEEL

Answer 16

• machine reductionism
• eg, there are similarities between a computer and the human mind but the computer anaogy has been criticised by many
• the computer analogy ignores the influence of human emotions and motivation on the cognitive system. Research has found that human memory may be affected by emotional factors such as the influence of anxiety on EWT
• this weakens the validity of the cognitive approach