cognitive approach

Question 1

what are the strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• focuses on using objective and scientific methods - these highly controlled methods ensure that they can infer cognitive processes at work
• for example, the use of lab studies produce reliable, objective data - increases the scientific credibility and validity of findings
• real world application - contributed to psychopathology to explain how dysfunctional behaviour can be traced back to a faulty thinking process - led to successful treatment of illnesses such as depression using cognitive behavioural therapy
• shows the cognitive approach has been useful in real life in helping people recover from illnesses

Question 2

what are the weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

Answer 2

• despite being useful, the claim that our mind is like a computer can be considered as machine reductionism
• the computer analogy suggests that the mind and parts of the computer (input, output and processors) are the same but has been criticised due to how it neglects the influence of human emotion and motivation, therefore it lacks external validity
• also shown as the approach relies on the inference of IMPs rather than direct observation
• this can generalise information with inferences being potentially abstract or theoretical rather than informative and accurate
• artificial stimuli may also be used that doesn’t represent everyday experiences hence this shows that cognitive research is applicable everytime

Question 3

what are the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 3

• in contrast to behaviourist approach, argues that internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically
• investigate areas of human behaviour like memory, perception and thinking using controlled lab experiments
• cognitive psychologists study IMPs indirectly by making inferences about what is going on in their mind on the basis of their observed behaviour
• the mind works like a computer in that it has an input from our senses which in then processes and produces an output such as language or a specific behaviour