Cognitive approach Flashcards
Evaluating the cognitive approach
Concerned with internal mental processes to explain behaviour
Cognitive psychology was influenced by Wundt, who founded the first psychology lab in Germany
He wanted to develop ways of studying internal mental processes scientifically and systematically
About it?
3 assumptions
Explanation for relationship formation
CBT (therapy)
Classic evidence: Loftus and Palmer (1974) methodology, procedures, findings, conclusion
Classic evidence: Loftus and Palmer’s (1974) evaluation of methodology, ethical and social issues, and alternative evidence
Contemporary debate: the reliability of eyewitness testimony (Unit 2)
What are the 3 assumptions?
computing analogy
internal mental processes
Assumption 1?: computing analogy
Cognitive psychologists compare the human mind with a computer
In basic terms, we take in information ( input)
The information is changed and stored ( processing)
When necessary, the information is recalled ( output)
To process information, 4 cognitive processes must occur
what are the 4 processes that occur?
LANGUAGE
ATTENTION
MEMORY
PERCEPTION
Lamp?
the mind is compared to the hardware of a computer and cognitive processing is the computer software
What is an example of this?
multistore model of memory ( 1968) - Atkinson and Shiffran
The multi store model?
Sensory memory : duration: a quarter to half a second ( taking in info from senses)
Short-term memory: duration: 0-18 seconds capacity: 7+ or - 2 items
Encoding—auditory
maintenance rehearsal is the process of verbally or mentally repeating information which allows the duration of short-term memory to be extended beyond 30 seconds
Rehearsing a phone number
Long-term memory duration: unlimited : capacity
Encoding is mainly semantic—language
For information to enter the long-term memory, there must be an elaborate rehearsal, which is the process of linking new information in a meaningful way
Elaborate rehearsal is more effective than maintenance rehearsal for remembering new information as it ensures the information is encoded correctly ( it is a deeper level of information processing)
Assumption 2: internal mental processing?
Human beings are just information processors
Cognitive processes work together to enable us to make sense of the world around us
The most well studied cognitive processes are language , attention, memory, and perception
These processes all relate to each other and work together to help individuals understand their environment
To recognise a dog, we have to know it is a dog. We pay attention to it , perceive its features and search our memory to find a match
If we have experienced it before, we can name it through the knowledge of language
Our mental processes work together in a split second to respond to the world around us
This is known as information processing
Investigating internal mental processes?
Cognitive psychologists often use introspection to infer internal thought processes. This method, developed by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879, involved trained participants describing their thoughts and feelings in response to stimuli, like a ticking metronome. Though criticized for lacking scientific objectivity, introspection is still used today in studies on behaviors like gambling and alcoholism. For example, Griffiths (1994) studied regular and non-regular gamblers to compare their thought processes. Participants were asked to verbalize their thoughts without censoring or justifying them. The study found that regular gamblers exhibited more irrational thoughts, such as attributing wins to the machine “liking them” and losses to a lack of concentration.
Assumption 3: schemers
Schemers are mental frameworks built from past experiences and stored in long-term memory, helping us organize information. For example, our schemer for a dog might include traits like four legs, fur, barking, and chasing cats. Schemers are shaped by interactions with others and the world, but they don’t always reflect reality. For instance, a schemer for burglars might involve a young male in a balaclava, black-and-white clothing, and carrying a sack. Schemers also help us identify societal roles, such as those of lawyers, policemen, or firemen.
Cognitive explanation for relationship formation
Schemers
Cognitive explanations for relationship formation suggest that our schemers—mental frameworks about others—guide our feelings and behaviors toward them. For example, Dion (1972) found that people tend to attribute positive personal qualities, such as kindness or compassion, to physically attractive individuals, a phenomenon known as the halo effect. This leads us to desire relationships with those we perceive as attractive. Additionally, people develop self-schemers, or mental frameworks about themselves, which also influence how they form relationships.
Internal mental processes?
Internal mental processes (IMP) play a key role in relationship formation, particularly through perception and memory. Perception is dynamic and constantly evolving; for example, starting a conversation with a stranger may change your perception of them, but your initial impression often remains influential. Memory also affects relationship formation—positive past experiences can motivate individuals to seek new relationships. Overall, our internal mental processes shape how we perceive others and influence our decisions to form connections.
Formation of romantic relationships?
The formation of romantic relationships is influenced by self-schemers, which shape how we perceive ourselves and govern our self-concept. The matching hypothesis suggests that we are more likely to engage in relationships with people who have a similar level of physical attractiveness to ourselves. Murstein (1972) found that dating or engaged couples often have similar attractiveness levels. Walster (1966) also suggested that people tend to be attracted to others who match their own perception of their attractiveness, though compromises are sometimes made to avoid rejection.
Pleasant activity scheduling?
Pleasant Activity Scheduling involves planning enjoyable activities to boost mood and promote positive emotions. Clients are encouraged to engage in at least one pleasurable activity each day, such as achieving a fitness goal (e.g., lifting more weights at the gym) or enjoying a meal out with friends. These activities help shift focus away from negative thinking patterns through behavioral activation—changing behavior to improve mental health.
Clients track their feelings after each activity, helping reinforce positive experiences and move away from maladaptive behaviors. For example, after a week of planned activities, someone might feel less anxious after engaging in hobbies like painting or socializing, which encourages a shift toward healthier thought patterns.
