Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Assumptions of the approach (5)

Answer 1

• argues that mental processes can and should be studied scientifically. (They investigate areas of behaviour that behaviourists may have rejected)
• understand not all processes can be observed, so psychologists study them indirectly (INFERENCES)
• internal mental processes/ mediating
• multi store model
• one of the most dominant approaches in psychology today

Question 2

Features of the approach (3)

Answer 2

• lab methods
• schema
• it is the mental framework for interpretations of incoming information received by the cognitive system

Question 3

Internal mental process

Answer 3

Mediating processes
- such a stimulus and response
- eg perception/ attention/ decision making

Question 4

Lab methods

Answer 4

• highly controlled + rigorous methods
• objective + reliable data
• the brain can and should be studied scientifically
• enables researchers to INFER cognitive processes

Question 5

Internal mental processes

Answer 5

Use both theoretical and computer models to help understand internal mental processes.
- based on the similar model to the way computers function

Question 6

Multi store model

Answer 6

The way computers store and release info
- input ( processes)
- storage
-retrieval

Question 7

Schema

Answer 7

• internal packages of ideas and info developed through experience
• mental framework for the interpretation of incoming info received by the cognitive system

Question 8

What happens to our schema as we get older

Answer 8

As we get older, our schema gets more detailed and sophisticated
- adults have developed mental representation for everything

Question 9

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 9

Combines cognitive + biological
- scientific study of the influence of brain structure on mental processes.
- useful in establishing the mental basis of some disorders
- allows systematic observation

Question 10

Machine reductionism

Answer 10

Ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on thr cognitive system.
- and how that may affect our ability to process info .

Question 11

Reductionism

Answer 11

The computer analogy is criticised by many

Question 12

Soft vs hard determinism

Answer 12

• takes a sort of middle ground whereby people still have a choice, but their behaviour is still subject to some biological and environmental pressure.