Cognitive approach Flashcards
Key assumptions ?
- internal mental processes (thought processes ) can and should be studied scientifically
- lab studies can be used to investigate what we are thinking
- the mind works like a computer
- the thoughts between stimulus and response need to be considered to understand behaviour
The study of internal memtal processes
-what can we not see ?
We cannot see thought processes but we can investigate them scientifically
The study of internal mental processes
How can we investigate mental processes scientifically?
Using lab studies
The study of internal mental processes
- what do we all make ?
Inferences
The study of internal mental processes
- what are inferences ?
Assumptions about what is happening in the mind when we are thinking etc
The study of internal mental processes
What do inferences go beyond ?
Inferences is when we g beyond the immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed
Simons and Chabris
Procedure
228 observers watched the same films that showed 2 teams of 3 basketball players, one team wearing white t-shirts and the others waering black. A basketball was passed and the observers were asked to keep a ta.ly of the number of passes. In a more difficult condition they were asked to tally the number of throws and the number of bounces.
Obsrvers were then immediately asked if there was anything unusual in the film
Simons and Chabris
What were the 2 types of video that the observers were shown ?
Type 1- the film was transparent
Type 2 - the film was opaque
Simons and Chabris
How many conditions were there ?
There were multiole conditions such as transparent / gorilla and opaque/ umbrella woman
Simons and Chabris
Results?
54% of the observers noticed the gorilla or the woman
- more noticed it jn the opaque condition
- when task was harder (transparent) slightly less noticed the unexpected event
What are Schemas ?
Cognitive representation of our ideas/ knowledge about anything
What do schemas provide ?
Schemas provide a mental framework of knowledge similar to a mind mapmof knowledge
Why are schemas unique to each individual ?
Because they are formed through experiences
The role of schemas ?
- schema help us to predict what will happen in our world based on our experiences
- schemas enable us to process vast amounts of info rapidly
What do schemas prevent ud from becoming ?
Schemas prevent us from becoming oberwhelmed by environmental stimuli
What are the disadvantages of schemas ?
Schemas can distort our interpretations of sensory info
Schemas lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate EWT / memories
Schemas can cause biased recall
What can negative/ faulty schemas have a negative impact on ?
Mental health
Why do we use models in psychology?
Models are used to explain and make inferences about mental processes
What do theoretical models help us to explain?
They help to explain complex ingernal mental processes for example th emulti store model explains a concept taht we cannot see
State the informational processing model
Input —-> processing —–> output
Input
From the environment via the senses
Processing
Information is encoded and processed e.g using a schema
Output
Observable behaviour
Key assumptions of theoretical and computer models
How does the brain process info ?
The brain processes information like a computer
Key assumptions of theoretical and computer models
What is the central processing unit ?
The brain
Key assumptions of theoretical and computer models
Coding ?
To turn info into a useful format
Key assumptions of theoretical and computer models
Stores ?
To hold different chunks of info
Key assumptions of theoretical and computer models
Retreival ?
We can retreive info from a computer and our brain
What is meant by cognitive neuroscience?
The scientific study of brain / neurological structures, mechanisms, processes, brain chemistry that are responsible for cognitive/ mental / thinking processes
Possible application uses
Blurt from notes
Why is cognitive neuroscience considered scientific?
Provides quantitative data and is objective
Machines are consistent
