Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?
- All internal mental processes can be studied scientifically through making inferences of observations of behaviour and internal thoughts.
Define schema:
A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing and are developed through experiences.
What is the role of the schema according to the cognitive approach?
- Help us process incoming information received by the cognitive system, preventing us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
- Infants are born with a simple motor schema for innate behaviours such as sucking and grasping.
- As we get older our schema develops through our experiences. Adults have developed mental frameworks e.g. we know what happens in a restaurant and what a typical zombie looks like.
What are theoretical and computer models according to the cognitive approach?
- Theoretical and computer models help us understand internal mental processes.
- E.g. we process information in a way similar to which a computer would, including inputs, outputs and information stores.
- Aids in the development of Ai.
What is the role of cognitive neuroscience according to the cognitive approach?
- Allows us to map areas of the brain to specific cognitive functions e.g. damage to the the Broca’s area/frontal lobe can impair speech production
What are the four evaluation points for the cognitive approach?
- Scientific methods (S)
- Real world application (S)
- Soft determinism (S)
- Machine reductionism (L)
Explain the evaluation point ‘scientific methods (S)’ for the cognitive approach:
- Cognitive psychologists use highly controlled and rigorous methods of study so cognitive processes are able to be inferred.
- The emergence of cognitive neuroscience allows the field of biology to enhance the scientific basis of study.
Explain the evaluation point ‘real world application (S)’ for the cognitive approach:
- Dominant approach in psychology today and can be applied to a range of practical and theoretical contexts.
- E.g. Aids in the development of Ai
Explain the evaluation point ‘machine reductionism (L)’ for the cognitive approach:
- Emphasizes the idea that our mind is a machine or a computer
- Ignores the human characteristics of the influence of emotion and motivation on ability to process information.
Explain the evaluation point ‘soft determinism (S)’ for the cognitive approach:
- Cognitive approach offers a logical explanation for the argument of free will vs determinism
- Human behaviour is influenced by internal and external factors but we can still exert our free will at times.
Why is it argued that the cognitive approach is reductionist?
Machine reductionism - Presents people as a machine and ignoring the influence of emotion on behaviour.
How is abnormal or faulty behaviour treated for the cognitive approach?
CBT
