Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• mind works like a computer (input is our senses which is processed to produce the output of bhv)
• our mental processes is what affects bhv e.g. thoughts and memories, these should be studied scientifically allowing conclusions to be made
• (argues we have schemas that drive our bhv including what we pay attention to, how to interpret events and what we remember)

Question 2

What are all the features of the cognitive approach?

Answer 2

• study of internal mental processes
• the use of theoretical and computer models
• the role of schema

Question 3

Describe the study of internal mental processes feature

Answer 3

• argues internal mental processes can be studied scientifically by investigating memory, perception and thinking
• we actively process info we receive rather respond passively to our env as behaviourism suggests
• cog psychologists suggest our internal mental processes are private + cannot be observed
• so it is studied indirectly by making inferences about what is going on inside the mind such as diff mental processes, based on indv bhv
• inferences are a process where cog psychologists make logical assumptions about how internal mental processes drive our bhv
• based on observed bhv by using experiments but not directly inferred
• both computer and theoretical models are used to make inferences (conclusion) about our mental processes, thoughts and bhv

Question 4

Describe the computer model to explain bhv as part of the feature ‘ the use of theoretical and computer models”

Answer 4

• argues mind functions like a computer in three stages
• first there is an input from the environment through our senses e.g. sight
• then info is processed + stored in memory, this is what can explain differences in human bhv
• then the output of appropriate bhv, emotion or retrieval of info occurs
• an example of a computer model is Ellis’ ABC model in explaining depression
  A = activating event (input) such as the loss of a job
  B = info is processes (irrational or rational beliefs)
  C = consequence or bhv (output) such as depression

Question 5

Describe the theoretical model to explain bhv as part of the feature ‘ the use of theoretical and computer models”

Answer 5

• part of the assumption that human mind is like a computer
• models can be used to provide testable theories about mental processing + these can be studied scientifically and inferences can be made
• cognitive psychologists look at process of a bhv to describe it in a series of steps
• an example of a theoretical model is MSM which suggests memory has seperate + unitary stores, each with different coding, capacities and durations, info flows in a linear way
• theory was studied scientifically by miller, he used a controlled lab exp to inv capacity of STM using digit span technique
• exp has been replicated many times, so findings that ppts can recall 5-9 items is reliable, concluding capacity of STM is limited

Question 6

Define the role of schemas feature

Answer 6

• form of internal mental processes where a person creates mental representations based on a persons unique experience
• they are held in LTM, can include stereotypes and can become more detailed thru experience
• the role of schemas are to help us predict what might happen as schemas are beliefs based on past experiences
• they are beneficial as they help us make quick decisions to prevent us from being overwhelmed by info from env
• however they can cause biased recall as we may recall what we EXPECT to see from our schema, rather than what we acc witnessed
• negative schemas may make indv vulnerable to depression

Question 7

What are three peels to evaluate the cognitive approach?

Answer 7

scientific methods - objective techniques
prac apps - CBT
ecological validity - controlled experiments

Question 8

Describe the emergence of cognitive neuroscience

(Could be asked seperately as 8 marker or feature of cog appr)

Answer 8

• its a scientific study of brain/neurological structures, mechanisms and processes responsible for cog/mental processes
• theory recently emerged as tech has advanced
• enabling psychologists to use different brain imaging techniques such as PET scans or FMRI
• to inv how brain activity might affect mental processes like memory or mental disorders
• done by comparing brains with and w out disorder to identify physical aspects for cognitive processes in brain
• research into cognitive neuroscience includes analysing ppts completing tasks using episodic + semantic memory using PET scans and, it was found diff parts of the LTM are located in diff areas of brain

Question 9

What are two peels to evaluate the cognitive emergence of neuroscience?

Answer 9

Strength - scientific methods
Weakness - lacks mundane realism