cognitive approach

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

. our mental processes that affect behaviour e.g. thoughts, memories, perception - should be studied scientifically - allow inferences be made
. mind works like computer - input from senses - is processes - produces an output e.g. specific behaviour
. argues we have schema drive our behaviour - including what we pay attention to, how we interpret events, what we remember

Question 2

Feature 1: study of internal mental processes

Answer 2

. internal mental processes are private
. cannot be observed
. studied indirectly
. make inferences about what going on inside the mind
. based on individual behaviour

Question 3

What is meant by inferences? (2m)

Answer 3

. cognitive psychologists go beyond immediate evidence
. to draw logical assumptions about
. how internal mental processes drive our behaviour
. based on observed behaviour
. not directly inferred
. can be from the use of experimental procedures

Question 4

Feature 2: the use of theoretical and computer models

Answer 4

. computer and theoretical models used to make inferences
. about mental processes, thoughts, behaviour

Question 5

Feature 2: use computer models explain behaviour

Answer 5

. mind functions like a computer
. information-processing model applies idea human mind functioning like computer
. info enter brain but how we respond depends on how process info

Question 6

Feature 2: informational-processing model process

Answer 6

A. input
B. informational processing
C. output

Question 7

Informational-processing model: input

Answer 7

. receive info from enviro via senses
. e.g. sight, sound, smell
. is encoded
. environmental trigger

Question 8

Informational-processing model: informational process

Answer 8

. info now processed - interpret the event
. store the info as memory
. thought process

Question 9

Informational-processing model: output

Answer 9

. appropriate behaviour/emotion performed
. or retrieval of info occurs

Question 10

Cognitive explanation of depression: ABC model

Answer 10

. Ellis’s ABC model example of computer model
. A - activating event - input - e.g. loss of job
. B - belief - process - rational/irrational beliefs
. C - consequence - output - behaviour

Question 11

The use of theoretical models to explain behaviour

Answer 11

. theoretical models part of assumptions - human mind like computer
. model used provide testable theories about mental processing
. studied scientifically
. inferences made
. cognitive psychologist take behaviour - look at processes happening behind the scenes - describe process in series of steps

Question 12

Multi-store model: theoretical

Answer 12

. multi-store model is theoretical model
. suggest memory has separate unitary stores
. each different coding, capacities, durations
. info flows through in linear way
. theory been studies scientifically
. experiment been replicated many times

Question 13

What is meant by a schema? (3m)

Answer 13

. schemas are a form of internal mental processes
. mental representations
. created through unique knowledge and experiences
. held in our LTM - include beliefs e.g. stereotypes
. change through life - become more detailed through experiences

Question 14

Feature 3: the role of schemas - why beneficial

Answer 14

. help us to predict what might happen - based on past experiences
. help us make quick decisions - useful mental shortcuts prevent us from being overwhelmed be info from enviro

Question 15

Feature 3: the role of schemas - why not beneficial

Answer 15

. cause biased recall/EWT - may recall what we expect to see rather than what we have actually witnessed
. negative schemas may make individual vulnerable to depression

Question 16

AO3 for cognitive: soft determinism

Question 17

AO3 for cognitive: scientific methods

Question 18

AO3 for cognitive: practical applications

Question 19

AO3 for cognitive: controlled experiments