cognitive approach Flashcards
explain the cognitive approach
investigates memory, perception, thinking in a scientific manner by studying them indirectly and making inferences about what is going on in people’s minds on the basis of their behaviour
define inference
assumption about mental processes that cannot be directly observed
define schema
mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. These are developed from experience
how do schema influence our thinking
allow us to process information quickly which prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
schema can distort our interpretation of sensory information leading to perceptual errors
(WHICH IS WHY LOTS OF STEREOTYPES ARE WRONG)
explain learning in terms of schema
when we learn we add to existing schemas
new concept = new schema
what are theoretical models
diagrammatic representations of the steps involved in internal mental processes
what are computer models
software simulations of internal mental processes that are created in collaboration with computer sceientists
define cognitive neuroscience
scientific study of the biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
what is Broca’s area
damage to part of the frontal lobe results in impairment of speech production
with improvement in brain imaging in last 20 years scientist can systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes
what is FMRI
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
scans brain activity when a person is performing a task. Allows researchers to see which regions of the brain are rich in oxygen and are therefore active
what is a PET scan
Position Emission Tomography
researchers see activity due to radioactive glucose being injected and this can then be detected in active areas of the brain
