Cognitive and Biological Approach Flashcards
Cognitive approaches
Behaviour influenced by thoughts - conscious and unconscious - internal mental processes like memory, perception studied and also include schema
Theoretical and computer models used
Make inferences about cognitive processes
Cognitive models
Testable theories and inferences of mental processing.
Theoretical models eg MSM are simplified representations based on current evidence - and can be updated
Computer models also used e.g input thought process output, coding to memory, LTM hard disk and STM RAM (only needed when in usage)
Schema
Mental representations of experience and knowledge - organise info and set expectations of situations based on past knowledge.
Helps process high info and avoid stimuli overwhelming
But can distort info, lead to bias or inaccurate memories and negative/fault schema leads to other issues e.g depression, negative triad
Cognitive approach eval
+ controlled and scientific evidence
- lacks ecological validity
+ real life applications like CBT and cognitive interview
- ignores other factors like genetics which cause certain behaviour
- mechanistic computer models ignore the natural irrationality and emotion of human
- over-simplistic as focus on mental processes separately but not how they work together
Cognitive Neuroscience
cognitive and biological approaches combined with neural mechanisms, processes, chemistry
emerged with tech like position emission tomography PET and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) - locate e.g brain activity to stimuli or different LTM locations, helps treat memory disorders
Cognitive neuroscience eval
+ More scientific and objective than cognitive approach
+ Accounts nature and nature - not all determined by biology so soft determinism
+ Neurobiological basis of disorders like OCD so new treatments and reduces stigmas
+ Early identification of potential problems prior to symptoms developing so early treatment possible
- Unethical uses like mnd mapping and lie detection tests e.g courts
Biological approach
Behaviour evolved through evolutionary adaptation
Genes, biological examination, structures and neurochemistry used for insight into human behaviour and reactions
Evolution
behaviour changed over time by natural selection (Darwin)
profitable behaviour rewarded, passed on in reproduction, then become more common
Genetics
Heredity i.e characteristics passed on through generations both physical and psychological
Work often done on twins, monozygotic share 100% and dizygotic share 50%, so if a behaviour shows more concordance in MZ twins then perhaps genes have an influence
Genotype is all the genes you have, phenotype is what is expressed i.e physical traits
Biological systems
Nervous system - control centre CNS brain and spinal cord, and PNS with somatic influences skeletal muscles and movement/senses, and autonomic - subconscious processes e.g fight or flight
Endocrine system esp pituitary gland maintains hormone levels leading to different effects
Neurochemistry
Neurotransmitters - different levels of these and processes synaptic transmission (e.g if impulses are fired), e.g low serotonin linked to depression
Hormone levels can affect behaviour via endocrine system e.g high testosterone linked to aggressive behaviour
Biological approach eval
+ Scientific method so easy to replicate and be reliable, objective
+ Practical applications e.g treatments like SSRI to correct imbalances like low serotonin
+ Knowing you a genetically predisposed to a certain disorder can help you prepare for it and avoid triggering situations
- Can face either judgement or a lack of accountability if genes are found to have a criminal basis
- Reductionist as reduces to very small parts like genes but ignores the wider picture e.g culture, emotions, cognitive
- Deterministic as ignores any free will and suggests behaviour is all predetermined
