Cognitive approach Flashcards
(23 cards)
Assumption- study of mental processes
looks at mediational processes between stimuli and behavioural responses so to understand behaviour we have to understand internal processes of our mind
Assumption- informational processing
The mind works in a similar way to a computer
Assumption- use of computer and theoretical models
Allows complex phenomena to be explained and studied
Assumption- scientific methodology
Scientific methodology used even though mediational processes are unobservable
Assumption- abnormality
Abnormality is faulty thinking, being irrational and disordered
What is the focus?
Internal mental processes like memory, perception and thinking which behaviourists neglected
How are inferences used in this approach?
Cannot directly observe mental processes (like memory, perception) so these processes are studied indirectly through making inferences on observable behaviour
What is schema?
A package of beliefs and expectations on a topic that comes from prior experience
Why can schema be useful?
Help us take shortcuts in thinking
Prevent us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
Allows us to make predictions/inferences in the world based on experiences
Why can schema be not useful?
Can lead to faulty conclusions and unhelpful behaviour
Can cause biased recall
Can distort our interpretation of sensory info
Computer model (similarities in how computers and human minds process info)
Brain processes info like a computer
CPU-brain
stores memory to hold diff chunks of info
codes info to turn into a useable format
Information processing model
Input–>Processing–>Output
Input- from environment via senses
Processing- info encoded and processed (like using schema)
Output- observable behaviour
Information processing model example
Input- hearing dog bark at night and seeing a firework
Processing- recall that dogs are scared of fireworks and infer the dog saw the firework
Output- bring dog into house so it won’t get more scared
Theoretical model (used to describe/explain how unseen mental processes work)
Shows what thinking is going on
Process shown using steps/images in a model (shows cause and effect)
E.g. info processing approach suggests info flows through sequence of stages including input, storage and retrieval
Cognitive neuroscience
Neuroscientists able to study the living brain, giving detailed info about brain structure and the different kinds of mental/cognitive processes and how they work
Methods of cognitive neuroscience
Use of PET scans and fMRI scans help psychologists understand how the brain functions on different activities and on different emotions by showing what parts of the brain become active in specific circumstances
Use of models in cognitive neuroscience
Computer models that are designed to read the brain have come about- have lead to development of mind mapping techniques known as brain fingerprinting
Application of cognitive neuroscience
Analyzing the brain wave patterns of eyewitnesses to crimes in court to determine if they’re lying or not
Strength- use of scientific methods
Internal mental processes are unobservable therefore difficult to measure, but by using well controlled experiments and non-invasive brain scanning techniques to objectively measure behaviour means inferences can be made on how our thinking shapes behaviour
Important as cognitive explanations not based on common sense but represent valid explanation of human mind
Weakness- counterpoint to use of scientific methods- means approach can lack ecological validity
Many of the studies use tasks that have little in common with ppts everyday experiences
Like memory tests use artificial test materials that are meaningless in everyday life
Weakness as results then may not be the same outside controlled environment
Weakness-based on machine reductionism
Humans are not like computers- approach uses computer models to explain human processing of info with terms like storage and encoding, but these taken directly from field of computing
There is high difference between us e.g. computers don’t forget info and make mistakes
Problem because means computer models aren’t accurate representation of human mind due to lack of similarities therefore explanations for behaviour may not be valid
Strength- has real world application
Explains how faulty thinking can cause mental illness, which led to development of successful treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
In CBT patient and therapist work together to identify irrational thoughts which are challenged which are combated by logic- as thinking becomes more rational, patient’s behaviour changes
Strength as providing successful treatment means approach has saved the lives of many suffering with mental illnesses
As well has positive effect on economy- patients take less time off work due to being more healthy and less strain on NHS in the long run
Weakness- ignores human emotion/motivation
Although approach explains how diff cognitive processes work, fails to say why they do
As well, over-dependant on computer models may explain why human emotion and motivation largely ignored
Problem as human mind clearly not like a computer and human emotion/motivation clearly important aspects of human behaviour
