Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Main assumptions (3)
- the human mind is studied indirectly by making inferences by what’s going on in their mind by studying their behaviour
- well controlled laboratory studies are used to investigate what we are thinking and how this shapes behaviour.
- the mind is like a computer: input (info from our senses encoded) ➡️ processing (schemas may be used here) ➡️ output (behaviour/language).
Cognitive neuroscience - what
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of neurological processes that are responsible for specific thoughts and behaviours (looks for a biological basis for behaviour) It considers both physiological and psychological factors. It is studied through brain Imaging techniques (e.g PET, MRI, FMRI).
Cognitive neuroscience - why
To look for a biological basis for behaviour. Brain imaging techniques have allowed cognitive neuroscientists to map out areas of the brain and relate them to specific functions.
What is a schema?
A mental framework that helps individuals organise, process and store information about their environment.
Inference
Going beyond the immediate evidence to make an assumption about mental processes, that cannot be directly observed.
Outline what cognitive neuroscience is and explain one practical application of cognitive neuroscience. (6 marks).
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of neurological processes that are responsible for specific thoughts and behaviours. It considers both physiological and psychological factors effecting these thoughts and behaviours and is studied through a variety of controlled research methods. One of those methods is the use of brain imaging (e.g MRI scans) which was used in a study that discovered that low levels of activity in the limbic system within the brain is linked to high levels of aggression in a person.
Outline two features of the cognitive approach. Explain two limitations of the cognitive approach. [8 marks]
One feature of the cognitive approach is schemas which is a mental framework that processes, stores and organises information about a persons surroundings. Another feature of the cognitive approach is the use of computer models in reference to humans as they are though to have a similar process of input (sensory information encoded from surroundings), processing (schemas can be used) and output (behaviour or language). One limitation of the cognitive approach is the use of unrealistic testing such as word lists as this could cause the study to lack external validity as word list memorisation and recall is a simple activity (artificial stimuli) that is not realistic to every day life. Another limitation of the cognitive approach is the likening of the human brain to a computer as this is an oversimplified model that ignores the influence of emotion and motivation on mental processes. This action is called machine reductionism as the human brain is being reduced to the simplicity and linearity of a computer.
AO3 strengths
- uses scientific and objective methods that are controlled and rigorous e.g lab studies to infer cognitive processes at work.
- two areas of psychology come together (cognitive and biological) to form cognitive neuroscience to enhance scientific basis of study.
- has external validity (can be applied to every day life)
- the cognitive approach is dominant in psychology today and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical scenarios e.g AI, the development of robots.
AO3 Weaknesses
- the approach is based on machine reductionism as the computer model is too generalised and reduces complex human minds and behaviours to the linearity of a computer.
- the use of inference means that it can occasionally be too abstract and theoretical.
-Research often uses artificial stimuli e.g word lists which reduces ecological validity. - ignores influence that emotion and motivation has on recall e.g eyewitness testimony
Computer models
Input, processing, output (memory encoded from surroundings, schemas can be used here, behaviour or language.
