cognitive approach Flashcards
what is schema
This most basic understanding of the world.
We use the connections and interactions between Schema to understand and respond to situations.
They allow us to predict what may happen and are based on previous experience
Schemas are unique to the individual and the experiences they have had
who established the 5 themes within Cognitive Psychology
Von Eckardt (1993)
what were these 5 themes
Cognitions can be isolated the studied
The individual and their environment alone
determines behavior
We have automatic cognitive processes
Abnormality is a different style of cognition
Cognitions are typical and generalizable, so we can model these.
Cognitions can be isolated and studied separately meaning
The cognitive approach tries to be scientific, objective and is one of the more empirically focused approaches in Psychology.
This approach tries, through research studies, to identify and isolate unique processes
The assumption is that if we break down human thought into measurable pieces, bit by bit, we’d be able to understand what is going on inside the ‘black box’
we tend to use a computational analogy when looking at most cognitions.
what is an example of using computational analogy when looking at cognitions
there are inputs followed by measurable processes.
Consider the multistore model of memory – it is a copy of how a computer functions
Encoding in the STM
Storage in the LTM
Retrieval between the two stores
The individual and their environment alone determines behaviour meaning
This approach rejects the idea that we learn solely through conditioning
This approach rejects the idea that thoughts are driven by neurochemical processes and suggests that the neurochemistry may be a replication of cognitive processes
what are the 3 steps this has to explaining behaviors (still part of the above flashcard)
Inputs – we receive sensory information
Mediational processes – we consider and think about this sensory information, and decide how to act
Output – once our thoughts are clear we carry out the simple behaviors needed
what is a good example of ‘the individual and their environment alone determines behavior’ (think depression)
the ABC model of Ellis, when he uses our experience of environmental stimuli to explain why some people suffer from depression and other do not.
Activating event [Sensory input]
Belief [Mediational process]
Consequence [Behaviour]
We have automatic cognitive processes meaning
The cognitive processes that humans experience are not always considered consciously- some things so happen so fast as its automatic and we don’t need time for decision making
an example to use (not necessarily a flashcard but just know this specific example)
inside the working memory we are not consciously aware of the allocation of resources by the central executive, and we’re not always able to control them. How many times have you been sidetracked by an ‘earworm’ [part of a tune repeating in your head].
Abnormality is a different style of cognition meaning
This is the most useful aspect of the Cognitive approach. They argue that we can identify, and correct, abnormal cognitive processes.
Abnormal people suffer from distorted or maladaptive thoughts
We can treat these using cognitive restructuring- how CBT works
you must identify the maladaptive cognitive processes and then through thought catching we can train people to be more critical of their own cognitions. Leading to better, healthier, behaviours.
Cognitions are typical and generalizable, so we can model these
meaning
This is what we call a ‘Nomothetic’ approach to psychology. It is the idea that if we can measure these processes accurately, and reliably. Then we can produce models of cognition that apply universally to everyone
From here we can draw out models of how cognitions should work and identify those who suffer from faulty cognitions.
what are some good examples of these
the models of memory are a good example of this. There are lots of models used by the biological approach who see the three processes of input, mediation, and output as vital to all human interaction.
what is cognitive neuroscience
process of mapping cognitive processes to physical structures in the brain
the link between biological structures and cognitive processes
what were the origins of cognitive neuroscience
the discovery that Broca’s area is linked to speech production
inference meaning
conclusions made about mental processes through observed behavior
have to produce models and theories as activity is not observable through inferences
compared to hevaiourist approach we can see the behaviour take place
what are PET scans
used to measure brain activity- can produce a moving picture of the brain and shows which parts are active during tasks
can see how it functions
what are fMRI scans
a special type of MRI scan that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. When a brain area is more active, it consumes more oxygen, so blood flow increases in that area
its safe, non-invasive way to diagnose conditions and to find out if certain treatments are working
evidence of MRI scans being put to use (taxis)
Maguire et al. (2000) found increased volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampi of London taxi drivers using MRI technology, linking this structure in the brain to spatial navigation
how are these computer generated models important to healthcare
To determine the best surgical approach to remove brain tumors
To diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
To guide surgeons during surgery (rather like the sat-nav on a car)
trying to understand mental disorders
strengths of cognitive neuroscience (2)
CN has real-world applications e.g. in medicine, health, education
CN uses objective, scientific methods which increases its reliability- Models are used to provide testable (meaning its scientific) theories about mental processes
weaknesses of cognitive neuroscience (2)
Technology such as MRI scans are not 100% reliable due to user-error temperature and noise interference etc
CN could be accused of machine reductionism: humans are complex and unpredictable and cannot be bracketed together to an inanimate object
just like
In order to investigate IMP researchers must run research and make inferences from their findings e.g. Peterson & Peterson inferred that STM has a duration of around 18 seconds but they could not prove this
nomothetic argument
Cognitions are typical and generalizable, so Psychology can move away from the ideas of individual difference and accept that we have standardized mechanisms which produce individual behavior.
mark scheme says this
Cognitive neuroscience is a way develop our understanding human behavior by integrating the approaches of cognitive psychology with the approaches from biological psychology
what is a negative thought pattern
These are recurring thoughts or mental habits that tend to be pessimistic, self-critical, or unhelpful. They can be generalized patterns of negative thinking that affect one’s overall mindset.
e.g ‘im unworthy of …’ leads to negative emotions altering beh
what are cognitive distortions
specific, inaccurate thought processes or patterns that warp the way a person perceives reality. These are systematic errors in reasoning that lead to distorted views of events or situations.
what are examples of cognitive distortions
personalization
overgeneralization
filtering
what is personalisation
taking responsibility/blame for things that are not your fault
what is overgeneralization
drawing large and unnecessary conclusions from an event
what is mental filtering
This involves focusing solely on the negative aspects of situations while ignoring any positives. The patient may filter out compliments or positive feedback from others and focus only on criticisms or perceived failures.
