cognitive approach Flashcards
what are the internal mental processes?
behaviour that is influenced by thoughts that can be both conscious and unconscious
what can cognitive models provide?
they can provide testable theory’s about mental processes and these can be studied scientifically
what are theoretical models?
these are one way to study the internal processes where we try to conceptualise the relationship between the structures in the mind (the form that they take)
what is the theoretical model ‘information processing approach’?
this suggests that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages including: input, storage and retrieval (often represented diagrammatically) e.g. MSM of memory
what are computer models?
they are when the mind is compared to a computer by suggesting there are similarities in the way its processed. these models use the concept of a central processing unit (the brain) and the concept of coding (turning info into a usable format) and use of stores to hold information
what is schema?
these are the mental representation of experience and knowledge and understanding (they contain beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing)
why are schemas developed?
they are developed from experience and help you to respond to objects or situations appropriately
what happens to our schema as we get older?
they become more detailed and sophisticated. we have a mental representation for everything. they also help us to process lots of information quickly
what may schemas also do to our perception of sensory information?
they may distort our perceptions of sensory information, leading to perceptual errors
what is the emergence of cognitive neuroscience?
it is where cognitive and biological processes can be integrated, leading to cognitive neuroscience as a way forward to understanding human behaviour
how are brain scanning techniques used in cognitive neuroscience?
in the past 20 years advances in brain imaging techniques (fMRI, PET scans) have allowed scientists to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes
AO3: how is ‘real life application’ a strength into the cognitive approach?
the success of treatments based upon this approach suggests it is valid. CBT is based upon this approach and has had a successive rate for a range of disorders. this is now the most widely prescribed therapy and as it treats many conditions which suggests that they are based of cognitions.
AO3: how is ‘free will versus determinism’ a limitation to the cognitive approach?
this approach is founded on soft determinism. therefore this is less deterministic than other approaches. this recognises that our cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know. however, we are free to think before we act, this could be argued to be a more reasonable middle group position than the hard determinism suggested by other approaches.
AO3: how is ‘problems with the computer analogy’ a limitation into the cognitive approach?
although there are many similarities between the human mind and operations of a computer (inputs, outputs, storage systems, use of a central processor) the computer analogy has been criticised by many. this is because it can be seen as mechanical in regarding human thinking (mechanical reductionism), as if we process like a computer, it would leave little room for the irrationality seen in emotional behaviour.
