cognitive approach

Question 1

what are the 4 main assumptions?

Answer 1

• concerned with cognitive functions like memory, attention and perception
• internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically
• the human mind is similar to a computer in the way info is processed
• since they are internal, cognitive processes can be studied indirectly by making inferences from someone’s behaviour

Question 2

what are schemas?

Answer 2

• mental frameworks of info we use to organise past experiences to help us adapt to new situations
• they help ‘fill in the gaps’ in situations
• an example of top down information processing, giving us expectations about what may happen in the world
• let us act comfortably in an unknown situation, which can reduce stress
• may cause info processing errors like prejudice or discrimination

Question 3

the use of models

Answer 3

• use models to assist the inference of internal mental processes by observing visible behaviour
• theoretical models are visual representations of internal metal processes to help researchers simplify and study complex processes, e.g. the multi store model
• computer models: the development of computers in the 1960s led to computer models to explain different mental processes. e.g. the analogy of ltm being the hard disk and stm being the computers RAM has been applied to the brain

Question 4

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 4

• attempts to bridge the gap between cognitive and biological approaches
• it’s come from the development of techniques to scan the living brain while it processes info
• uses non invasive scanning techniques like pet scans and mri’s to measure which areas of the brain are active while completing specific tasks
• brain scans have shown the distinction between different types of ltm
• brain imaging techniques have established links to certain mental health disorders, such as ocd to the parahippocampal gyrus

Question 5

give a strength of the cognitive approach
1/3

Answer 5

real world applications: research into memory and the affects of misleading info has reduced the use of ewt in court cases and led to reforms on procedure, like the introduction of the cognitive interview. also a better understanding of thought processes has helped understand and treat illnesses like depression via cbt. So the approach has led to important contributions to society

Question 6

give a strength of the cognitive approach
2/3

Answer 6

uses controlled, scientific and objective research methods, such as lab experiments, to infer cognitive processes, research is typically done under strict lab conditions using brain scanning techniques, so data gathered is objective and reliable. these scanning techniques also provide empirical data and confirmation of different brain areas implicated in different actions. this increases the scientific credibility of the approach

Question 7

give a strength of the cognitive approach
3/3

Answer 7

takes a soft determinism approach, it recognises that humans and our cognitive systems can only do things within the limits of what we know, but also sees that we can think before responding to stimuli. this allows for people to have conscious insight and responsibility over their behaviour

Question 8

give a limitation of the cognitive approach
1/3

Answer 8

the approach relies on internal and cognitive processes and schemas which have to be studied indirectly via inference. this may mean that research lacks empirical evidence, and the constant use of observation may result in subjective conclusions that lack validity

Question 9

give a limitation of the cognitive approach
2/3

Answer 9

takes a machine reductionist approach, the computer analogy is often critised as it ignores the influence of emotions and motivation on behaviour and information processing. since the human mind is much more complex than a computer, this reduces the validity of this analogy anf therefore the approach as it cannot fully represent the human mind

Question 10

give a limitation of the cognitive approach
3/3

Answer 10

overly reliant on schemas which we acquire throughout or lives based on our experiences, therefore stereotypes can be assimilated either consciously or unconsciously. the fact that they determine how we respond and behave in certain situations raises the question of how much free will we have