Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Define cognitive approach
Cognitive approach focuses on how people process information to understand behaviour. Such as perception, interpreting and storing.
Define schema
Schemas are internal mental representations that allow us to organise knowledge, categorise events/objects and predict outcomes.
What does a schema do
Takes shortcuts in thinking to prevent us from becoming overwhelmed. But can lead to faulty conclusions/unhelpful behaviour
Define assimilate
Adding new info to an existing schema
Define accommodate
Develop entirely new schema
What are schemas prone to
Distortion which can create false memories.
What is the computer model
Cognitive scientists explaining the workings of the human mind as a computer or information processor
Sensory input -> processing -> behavioural output
Define inferences
Inferences based on conclusions from evidence and reasoning
Educated guess
How do inferences link to the cognitive approach
Inferences are made about how the brain works and how it affects behaviour. Because only so much evidence (brain scans) can be produced as mental processes are private
Define theoretical models of the mind
Simplified representations of the mind are based on current research evidence
Explain memory distortion study
Loftus/Palmer
45 participants watched a video of a car crash
Then received a question using different verbs on how the car collided e.g smashed bumped
Found that more aggressive verbs had higher speed estimate causing a distortion. As the verb becomes Inter grated with the memory of the event= false memory
Define cognitive neuroscience
It is the study of the influence of brain structure in mental processes. Done by brain scanning.
American serial killer had abnormalities in his prefrontal cortex (impulse control)
