Cognitive approach

Question 1

key assumptions

Answer 1

1. The brain can be compared to a computer (input, output, processing)
2. Behaviour is a product of information processing

Question 2

Define Short Term Memory

Answer 2

Memories that are briefly stored in the brain

Question 3

Define Long Term Memory

Answer 3

large amount of memories that are stored in the brain for long periods of time

Question 4

Define remembering

Answer 4

the recollection of a memory of an event that has happened previously

Question 5

Define recognition

Answer 5

a sense of familiarity when remembering a memory that is happening again

Question 6

Define recall

Answer 6

Being able to remember details from memories

Question 7

the importance of cues

Answer 7

stimulus that helps retrieving details from a memory

Question 8

Define encoding

Answer 8

Conversion of memory to be processed and stored and be retrieved later on

Question 9

Define capacity

Answer 9

the ability to receive and hold on to information

Question 10

Define duration

Answer 10

How long a memory can be remembered before forgetting

Question 11

define shortening

Answer 11

Parts of memory that do not fit in with our existing schema on missed out so what we remember is shorter

Question 12

define rationalisation

Answer 12

Part of a memory are recalled but in a distorted way to fit existing schemas

Question 13

define confabulation

Answer 13

When details are added to memory to fill in the gaps to make recall meaningful

Question 14

One weakness

One strength

Answer 14

One weakness is that not all memories are affected by schemas. Recall can be very accurate but we might not remember that accurate details

One strength is that reconstructive memory can help in accurate eyewitness testimony

Question 15

define cognitive priming

Answer 15

when an exposure to a new stimulus alters someone’s old stimulus

Question 16

define repetition

Answer 16

the more something is repeated the better chance it has being stored in the memory for longer

Question 17

define semantic

Answer 17

category of long-term memory that involves the recollection of ideas, concepts and facts commonly regarded as general knowledge.

Question 18

define associative

Answer 18

to learn and remember the connection between unrelated items

Question 19

role of cognitive scripts

Answer 19

the sequence of behaviours that can be expected in a certain context

Question 20

define memory scripts

Answer 20

a routine that becomes memorised during events

Question 21

define person perception

Answer 21

different mental processes which we use to form impressions of other people

Question 22

define cognitive bias

Answer 22

a systematic error in thinking

Question 23

define fundamental attribution error

Answer 23

individuals tendency to judge others actions and compare to their actions and personality

Question 24

define conformation bias

Answer 24

search for information that confirms our actions or beliefs

Question 25

define hostile attribution bias

Answer 25

a general tendency to ascribe harmful or otherwise adverse intent to the ambiguous behaviour of others.