Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are some assumptions about the cognitive approach?
-Looks at internal mental processes
-Studies neglected behaviourist areas like memory, attention and thinking
-Uses scientific principles and makes inferences as thinking can’t be studied directly
Why are computer models important?
The mind is compared to a computer suggesting the computer processes it, processes it then has an output. Used to generate predictions and be tested using tightly controlled experiments
What is schema?
A mental picture in our head that gets more complex with experience
What is schema used for?
Enables us to process information quickly, take shortcuts and predict what will happen based on past experiences
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The study of biological structures that cause cognitive processes
What does this approach combine?
Brain scanning technologies used by biological psychologists and the study of cognitive processes.
Why is cognitive neuroscience important?
-The brain imaging techniques have been used increasingly in the last 20 years (PET fMRI) which allows scientists to observe mental processes
-Increased research into memory has linked episodic and semantic memories to opposite sides of the prefrontal cortex
