Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What does the cognitive approach assume?

Answer 1

-focuses on how people perceive, store, manipulate and interpret information

Question 2

What are internal mental processes?

Answer 2

-perception and attention mediate between stimulus + response

Question 3

What are schemas?

Answer 3

-mental framework of beliefs that influence cognitive processing
-developed from experience
-we are born with basic schemas which become more sophisticated with experience

Question 4

Why do psychologists use computer models?

Answer 4

-+ theoretical models to better understand and model cognitive processes
-through the use of analogies

Question 5

What are theoretical + computer models

Answer 5

-theoretical - WMM - representation of STM - made up of the cognitive components
-analogies can be made between computers + the brain
-both contain series of 3 processes; input, the use of a processor + production of output
-proved useful in development of AI

Question 6

Schemas

Answer 6

-generated through experience
-act as mental frameworks = mental shortcuts
-process large volumes of data quickly + efficiently
-can lead to perceptual distortions - due to already having an established framework

Question 7

The emergence of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 7

-Broca’s - identified how damage to an area of frontal lobe
-could permanently impair speech production
-advances in technology - made it possible to systematically measure + observe neural processes
-fMRI + PET scans activation

Question 8

Positives of emergence of neuroscience

Answer 8

-increased scientific credibility of psychology
-due to emphasis on objectively collecting reliable data
-through direct observation of neural processes
-PET, CT, MRI and fMRI scans

Question 9

Negatives of cognitive psychology

Answer 9

-makes extensive use of schemas as ways of indirectly studying the cognitive basis of behaviour
-means some ideas may seem too abstract + not enough empirical evidence
-reduces potential practical applications
-remains theoretical

Question 10

Applications of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 10

-increased understanding of neural processes = useful in many areas
-eg in design of modern tech - relies on understanding of behavioural science
-eg education - can study child’s performance in phonological tests to serve as an accurate prediction of reading ability
-increased use in the real world

Question 11

Negatives - machine reductionism

Answer 11

-similarities between the mind and computers
-ignores influence of emotions + motivation on cognitive system
-weakens validity