Cognitive approach

Question 1

assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• internal mental processes studied scientifically (memory/ perception/ thinking)
• these processes can’t be seen so psychologists have to make inferences about what is going on
• cognitive psychologists use theoretical models
• one is the information processing approach
• MSM
• cognitive psychologists also use computer models
• information is turned into a useable format by coding

Question 2

the information processing approach

Answer 2

-suggests that information flows through a sequence of stages, that include; input, storage and retrieval
- memory is sequential
- based on the way computers function

Question 3

computer model

Answer 3

• programming a computer to see if such instructions produce a similar output to humans
• if they do, then we can suggest that similar processes go on in the mind
• computer models of the mind have proved useful in the development of ‘thinking machines’ or AI

Question 4

the RAT MAN illusion- Bugelski and Alampay (1962)

Answer 4

• we have a fairly good idea that picture cues influence what people see
• if you saw pictures of animals first then you may see a rat in the illusion
• if you saw the pictures of people first the you may see a man in the illusion
• this is because the cues prime the illusion so you see it in a certain way

Question 5

schema

Answer 5

• packets of information which help interpret new events, we have schema for people, situations and objects
• we are born with a very basic schema but they become much more complex throughout life as we gain more experience
• schemas are believed to effect how we store, process and retrieve memories however which is what makes them less accurate

Question 6

mental processes

Answer 6

cognitive psychologists study mental processes that were ignored by behaviourists

Question 7

interference

Answer 7

mental processes are inferred by drawing conclusions about what goes on in someone’s head from their behaviour in a lab study

Question 8

computer analogy

Answer 8

cognitive psychologists use models to explain cognitive processes based on the idea that the human mind can be compared to a computer

Question 9

schema

Answer 9

schema are packages of knowledge and expectations developed from experience and they help us process information more quickly

Question 10

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 10

as understanding of the brain has increased, cognitive neuroscience has emerged and tries to link brain areas to mental processes

Question 11

cognitive evaluation (+)

Answer 11

• highly controlled and rigorous testing, lab experiments

Question 12

cognitive evaluation (-)

Answer 12

• theoretical based as they observe behaviour, objective
• it ignores how human emotion influences mental processes, by comparing it to machines