cognitive approach Flashcards
What are the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?
The cognitive approach assumes that internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically, often through controlled experiments. It also compares the human mind to a computer, emphasizing information processing.
What does the study of internal mental processes involve?
It involves investigating how people perceive, interpret, and respond to information, focusing on processes such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.
What is the role of schema in the cognitive approach?
Schemas are mental frameworks based on prior knowledge and experience that help organize and interpret information, influencing how we perceive and process new information.
How do theoretical models explain mental processes?
Theoretical models, such as the multi-store model of memory, provide simplified representations of how mental processes work, often illustrated using flow diagrams to show the stages of information processing.
What is the purpose of computer models in the cognitive approach?
Computer models simulate human mental processes using algorithms and programming, helping researchers understand how the mind processes information similarly to a computer.
What is cognitive neuroscience?
Cognitive neuroscience is the study of how brain structures and functions are linked to mental processes, combining insights from psychology and neuroscience.
How has the emergence of cognitive neuroscience influenced psychology?
The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has advanced the understanding of the biological basis of cognition, using techniques such as brain imaging (e.g., fMRI, PET scans) to study the neural mechanisms underlying mental processes.
What are the advantages of the cognitive approach?
The cognitive approach provides a scientific and objective way to study mental processes and has practical applications in areas such as therapy, artificial intelligence, and education.
What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?
The cognitive approach has been criticized for oversimplifying complex human behavior by ignoring emotional and social factors, and for relying heavily on artificial lab experiments.
How do schemas affect memory?
Schemas can lead to distortions in memory, as people may recall information in a way that fits their existing schema rather than what actually occurred.
What is the role of brain imaging in cognitive neuroscience?
Brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET scans, allow researchers to observe brain activity in real-time, helping to link specific mental processes to areas of the brain.
What is meant by cognitive biases?
Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect decisions and judgments, often due to reliance on schemas or heuristics.
How does the cognitive approach differ from the behaviorist approach?
The cognitive approach focuses on internal mental processes that cannot be directly observed, whereas the behaviorist approach focuses solely on observable behavior and the influence of the environment.
