Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Key Features:

Answer 1

-scientific study of mental processes
-role of inference in the study of mental processes (mental processes are private and cannot be observed)

Question 2

The study of internal mental processes AO1

Answer 2

Studies internal mental processes
-attention
-memory
-decision making

Makes inferences about thought processes that lead to particular behaviours

Question 3

The role of schemas AO1

Answer 3

Schematas are packages of information developed through experience

Act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information received by the cognitive system

Role schemas, Event schemas, Self-schemas

Question 4

Role Schemas

Answer 4

Ideas about the behaviour which is expected of someone in a certain role

Question 5

Event Schemas (scripts)

Answer 5

Contain information about what happens in a certain situation

Question 6

Self schemas

Answer 6

Contain information about ourselves based on physical characteristics and personality, affect how we act

Question 7

Theoretical models to explain mental processes AO1

Answer 7

-information flows through a sequence of stages that include input storage and retrieval
-multi-store model of memory
(Sensory memory, short term memory, long term memory, rehearsal and retrieval)

Question 8

Computer models to explain mental processes AO1

Answer 8

-programmes that can be run on a computer to imitate the human mind, psychologists can test their ideas about information processing

-information processing model
(Sensory information-input- sequence of mental operations-processes information- perceptions, memories, behaviour-product)

Question 9

Emergence of cognitive neuroscience AO1

Answer 9

the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes

techniques allow us to:
-understand how the brain supports cognitive activities and which parts of the brain are linked to what

Question 10

Research into schema theory AO3

Answer 10

Research support from Bartlett
-students filled in gaps of the story with what seemed sensible and what they assimilate the situation with
-shows that schemas change the way we process and recall information

Question 11

Computer models AO3

Answer 11

Computers are limited to what it can do, humans have emotions and can make errors

Question 12

Evaluating cognitive approach AO3 strength

Answer 12

-research is highly scientific
-makes useful contributions to society
-acknowledges conscious processes

Question 13

Evaluating cognitive approach AO3 weakness

Answer 13

-research findings may lack ecological validity (lab setting)
-use of inference could be too abstract and theoretical
-may lack externa validity