Cognitive Approach Flashcards
cognitive psychologists believe that all behaviour is a result of
our mental processes (thoughts, perception, attention)
inferences
drawing conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour
assumption 1:
information processing
the cognitive processes:
attention, perception, memory, language
what we pay attention to will affect our behaviour
we then perceive it to be a particular way via its features
our mind searches its memory store to see if it recognises these perceptual characteristics. In order to name something, we label it with language.
assumption 2:
the role of schemas
cognitive processing can be affected by an individual’s beliefs or expectations.
schemas enable us to process info quickly by providing shortcuts - could distort our interpretations of sensory info leading to perceptual errors
assumption 3:
computer analogy
the mind inputs info from the senses, encodes and stores it and then outputs the info in decisions, speech or writing
evaluation
strength: useful
P: useful - led to successful treatment of mental health disorders
E: depression caused by faulty mental processing. Can treat it using CBT.
C: better quality of life
evaluation
strength: scientific
P: uses scientific methods to study behaviour
E: uses MRI and PET scans under scientific + controlled conditions that have standardised tasks
C: establishes cause and effect. can replicate experiments and brain scans to check for reliability and draw conclusions
evaluation
limitations: reductionist
P: reductionist
E: believe all behaviour is a result of mental processes. eg depression caused by faulty mental processing
C: limited understanding
evaluation
limitations: determinist
P: determinist
E: behaviour governed by mental processes. eg crime caused by faulty mental processing
C: negative implication on legal system. provides excuse. hard to convict
