Cognitive Approach Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the cognitive approach
-All internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically.
-Uses experiments and models to make inferences about behavior
What are the internal mental processes
Private operations of the mind that mediate between stimulus and response
What is a schema
A cognitive mental framework which helps us organize and interpret information based on past experiences
Schemas are good because
They make short cuts when interpreting information which helps us not get overstimulated
Prevents us from coming into contact with potentially dangerous stimulus
Schemas are bad because
Many assumptions are based on stereotypes and lead to prejudice beliefs
They can also reinforce negative assumptions about stimuli which can lead to poor mental health
What is inference
The process where psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behavior
What are cognitive model
Models allow us to make the cognitive approach more scientific
What is the theoretical model
The process of information displayed at different states using pictorials and arrows
MSM
Information processing approach=input-process-output
What is a computer model
The process of using computer analogies as a representation for human cognition
LTM - hard drive
Why do we have cognitive neuroscience
It’s emerged in the last 20 years as a way to incorporate the influence of the brain structure on mental processes
What’s used to test cognitive neuroscience
fMRI and PET scans which map the cognitive processes in the brain
Computer generated models that read the brain
Cognitive neuroscience support
Tulving, LTM episodic and semantic memory in different sides of the brain
Scientific method pos
-Cog neuroscience is both bio and cog psych enhancing the scientific basis
-Bio uses highly controlled methods of study (MRI) which decreases extraneous variables
-Increases IV due to accurate measuring of internal processes
Counterpoint, abstract and theoretical neg
-Cognitive psychology relies on the inference of behavior concluding internal mental processes
-Research has to use artificial stimuli eg words lists, lack of mundane realism
-lacks EV as it doesn’t represent everyday life
Real word application pos
-Cognitive principles have been applied to treatments for depression using CBT
-the approach can educate people about depression being caused by faulty schemas and then we can use CBT to help treat and manage depression and improve their quality of life
-This is useful to treating mental health problems
Machine reductionist neg
-Makes links between humans and computers
-Ignores the influence of humans emotions and motivations on internal mental processes and how it affects our ability to process information eg. EWT and anxiety
-low IV
