Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Which approach came immediately before it?
Behaviourism - learning theories. Specifically SLT
How is it different to SLT
Tries to explain behaviour by looking at the cognitive processes that exist between stimulus and response, rather than just assuming that they are influenced wholly by learning
What happens in the “black box” between stimulus and response? What are the 5 cognitive processes?
People are like mobile telephones ;) Perception Attention Language Memory Thinking
Is the CA scientific? Why?
Yes. It uses theoretical frameworks and experimental methods to test behaviour scientifically.
What are the 3 main methods of the CA?
Lab experiments
Field experiments
Natural experiments
What is the difference between a lab and field experiment?
The setting. Both manipulate effect of IV on DV. Field experiments have less control over EVs which make them less reliable but more valid
What is reliability?
Consistency
What is validity
Truthfulness
Arghhh! I’ve done a Covid test and I’ve tested positive! My Mum told me to do another so I did. That was positive too. I didn’t believe it so I did 5 more. All positive! Have I got Covid? Why?
Yes, I have Covid. If all tests give the same results under the same conditions they can be said to be reliable.
What are natural experiments?
Experiments that look at IV/DV relationships in naturally occurring situations
What two types of models does the CA use?
Theoretical models (eg MSM/WMM memory models / they are just theories but are models, as per their titles) Computer models - the computer analogy
What is a weakness of the computer analogy?
It ignores the role of emotion and we know that this matters, eg with the fundamental attribution error (we blame the teacher if we fail as we have self-serving bias) and with eye-witness testimony (high anxiety reduces memory accuracy)
Outline 4 features of the computer analogy
The brain is out hardware and our learning (from environment) Is the software that is programmed in
Parts of the brain form networks
We code information that is programmed into us (eg STM uses acoustic coding)
We close down if we have too many tabs open using the same system (eg WMM and attention)
What are the main features of the CA?
There is a limited capacity to our mental systems
A control mechanism ((brain) oversees all mental processes
There is 2 way flow of info - we have an input - we process the info - we give an output
What are schemas (schemata)?
A pocket of all the info we hold about a concept, action or object
Name 3 different types of schema
Role schemes
Event schema
Self schema
What is a role schema?
Ideas we have about expected ways of behaviour, eg teachers should not swear and should be on time!
What is an event schema?
Ideas we have about an event and what usually happens in a situation. If I walked up to you in your chair and asked you to open wide, you would think I was odd. It’s expected of a dentist though!
What is a self schema
Ideas you have about yourself, based on your looks, physicality and personality. They reflect how you act but are not always accurate
How can self-schemas impact on well-being?
If you have low self esteem your self-schema might lead to processing errors. You might blame yourself for things that go wrong, even when they are not your fault. This is the opposite of self-serving bias and involves giving internal reasons for external events (when they are bad)
What is the purpose of schemas?
To help us organise and interpret the world
What is assimilation?
The process by which information which is consistent with that already held in our schemas is added to them. This causes them to strengthen. For example, a racist person would add negative events surrounding BAME people to their schema and so become more racist
What is adaption and accommodation?
The process by which schemas need to be adjusted to take in competing information, eg if a child thought all apples were green and was then introduced to a red apple, they should need to adapt their schema to accommodate the new information. Not everyone is motivated to do this in all situations!
Pete voted for the BNP. He didn’t want “foreigners” coming to this country and “pretending to be asylum seekers” so that they could “have an easy ride.” However, Pete has now applied to house a Ukrainian refugee. Explain what had happened to Pete. Refer to schemas.
Pete has been watching the news and seen information which contradicts his schema about foreigners. He has accommodated this new information and has adapted his schema. As schemas help us to understand the works, this has led to a change in the way that he thinks about “foreigners.” Pete may have created a new schema called “Ukrainians”
