Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What does the cognitive approach argue?
The cognitive approach argues that all our behaviour is controlled by internal mental processes, this includes things like memory. Much of the cognitive approach is a theoretical construct, meaning it cannot physically be seen, for example we cannot physically see short term memories moving into the long term.
For this reason, we make a lot of inferences: conclusions are drawn based on basis of observed behaviour about the way mental processes operate.
What do cognitive psychologists believe?
Cognitive psychologists believe that all behaviour is a result of our mental processes.
Our thoughts and our perceptions control our behaviour.
What is information processing?
The brain is an information processor. The cognitive processes: attention, perception, memory, and language work together to help us recognise and understand the world around us. For example, when we see a banana, we pay attention to it, perceive its features, (yellow, curved, solid), search our memory store to see if we have a schema for it, label it with language. This is known as information processing.
What’s a schema?
Developed from experience, a mental structure of beliefs and expectations that help us to make sense of the world around us.
What are the evaluations of schemas?
Helps shorten time spent on memories.
Helps with how to behave in different situations.
We stereotype.
Can make mistakes.
How does the human mind function in a similar way to a computer?
The human mind functions in a similar way to a computer. Like a computer, the mind inputs information from the senses, encodes and stores that information and then outputs the information in decisions, speech or writing.
What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?
Scientific because it uses lab/quasi experiments to investigate behaviour. This is a strength because high control of extraneous variables allows greater internal validity of cognitive research. Standardised procedures allow experiment replication so cognitive theories can be tested for reliability. This therefore increases the applicability of the cog approach to explaining behaviour.
useful: we now know depression to be caused by negative thoughts. We can now treat depression using therapies such as CBT which aims to identify & challenge negative thoughts. This is a strength because it allows sufferers to live a greater quality of life.
What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?
reductionist as it does not consider other causes of behaviour aside from the mental processes. Approach only considers negative thoughts as an explanation for the cause of depression, doesn’t consider bio exps such as low serotonin. Not considering the role of the environment or biological processes could give psychologists an inaccurate understanding of the causes of depression which could lead to inaccurate treatments.
Much of the research in the approach uses artificial stimuli. Experimental studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli – such as word lists to test memory. Research may therefore not represent everyday memory experience and will therefore lack ecological validity.
