Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What is the main assumption of cognitive approach ?
How mental processes affect our behaviour
Information received from our environment is processed by the brain through internal mental processes and that this processing directs how we behave.
What are a schemas ?
A schema is a package of beliefs or a cognitive framework that helps us organise and interpret information based on our previous experience.
How do schemas aid us ?
Allow us to make mental shortcuts which prevents us from being overwhelmed with an influx of info.
How are schemas limited ?
it can also lead to distortion of this information as we select and interpret environmental stimuli using schemas that might not be relevant. ( e.g eyewitness testimony)
Who theorised the supporting study for the cognitive approach ?
Bugelsky and Alampay
Aim ?
• Bugelsky and Alampay (1961) carried out a study to investigate the way previous experience influences how we perceive things.
Procedure ?
• They designed two series of pictures; one showed animals and the other humans. Immediately after their exposure to either animals or humans, the person was shown the ambiguous figure and his or her responses were noted.
Findings ?
• Participants who were shown animals were significantly more likely to perceive the ambiguous picture as a rat if they had had prior exposure to human pictures.
• Conversely, participants who were shown humans were more likely to perceive the ambiguous picture as an old man.
Describe the information processing model
Input————> processing————> output
From env via Info encoded. Observable
The Senses And processed Behaviour
E.g using schemas
What are the similarities between the mind and a computer ?
- both take data from outside and code it.
- both capable of storage (memory).
- they both have the capacity to work on material -transform it in some way.
What are the differences between a mind and a computer ?
- computer coding us not affected by emotions
- computer code has to be directly inputed but humans add meaning to the input they receive through the senses.
- computers always pay attention to inputs ; however humans can direct their attention away from one input to another.
- inputs humans receiver are via various senses but computers via keyboards or microphones.
How has the cognitive approach impacted cognitive neuroscience ?
Links biological structures to cognitive processes.
Implications on brain activity - FMRI’s
