cognitive approach Flashcards
what does the cognitive approach suggest is the best explanation for behaviour
internal mental processes
how do psychologists gain insight into mental processes
by inferring them from behaviour
what research methods do cognitive psychologists use
experimental methods
what two types of models of mental processes are there
theoretical models and computer models
what process do computers and the brain share
input -> processing -> output
what are the limitations of the computer analogy
-doesnt take into account emotions
-humans have free will
-humans have an unlimited unreliable memory whereas computers have a limited reliable memory
what is a schema
a mental framework
what is the purpose of a schema
to decrease processing time and avoid overload
what experiment is linked to schemas
the rat man experiment
describe the rat man experiment
participants were shown either a series of animals or faces with an ambiguous image which could fit into both categories, then asked to state what each image was
what were the results of the rat man experiment
participants who saw pictures of animals were more likely to see a rat and participants who saw pictures of faces were more likely to see a face
what is a real world example of a schema
depressed people have negative self schemas as a result of early rejection or criticism
where may a schema be detrimental
witness testmonies
how can schemas be overcome
cognitive interviews (asking questions in reverse order)
what happens when information is inconsistent with a previously formed schema
accomodation occurs and the schema changes to resolve the problem
