Cognitive approach

Question 1

assumptions

Answer 1

The main assumption of the cognitive approach is that information received from our senses is processed by the brain and that this processing directs how we behave.
These internal mental processes cannot be observed directly, but we can infer what a person is thinking based on how they act.

Question 2

schemas

Answer 2

a schema is the mental framework developed from beliefs and experiences which have developed expectations.
schemas help us organise information.
schemas can lead to distortion of information as we may apply schemas in circumstances that are not relevant.
This could be the cause of inaccuracies in areas such as eyewitness testimony. It can also explain some errors we make when perceiving optical illusions.

Question 3

Theoretical and computer models

Answer 3

Theoretical model is information processing approach- suggesting information flows through the brain in a series of stages
Computer models involves programming a model to see if the output is similar to that of a humans

Question 4

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 4

Scientific study of the influence of rain structures on mental processes
- 1860s broca identified that damage to the frontal lobe could cause speech impairment
- using fmri and pet scanning scientists have identified that different types of long term memory are located on different sides of the prefrontal cortex
Parahippocampal gyrus and ocd are linked
Lead to brain fingerprinting

Question 5

Cognitive evaluation points negative

Answer 5

Can suffer from being too abstract and may lack external validity by using ai
Machine reductionism ignore influence of Hunan emotion amused how this may affect information processing abilities
Soft determinism may be determined by internal external but also the value of free will is considered.

Question 6

Cognitive evaluation points positive

Answer 6

Objective and uses scientific methodology
Researchers able to make inferences
Enabled psychology to have credible scientific basis.
Real world application
Made important contribution in world of ai
Also been applied to treatment of depression and have improved eyewitness testimony