cognitive approach

Question 1

What are the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What does the study of internal mental processes involve?

Answer 2

It involves investigating how people perceive, interpret, and respond to information, focusing on processes such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.

Question 3

What is the role of schema in the cognitive approach?

Answer 3

Schemas are mental frameworks based on prior knowledge and experience that help organize and interpret information, influencing how we perceive and process new information.

Question 4

How do theoretical models explain mental processes?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

What is the purpose of computer models in the cognitive approach?

Answer 5

Computer models simulate human mental processes using algorithms and programming, helping researchers understand how the mind processes information similarly to a computer.

Question 6

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 6

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of how brain structures and functions are linked to mental processes, combining insights from psychology and neuroscience.

Question 7

How has the emergence of cognitive neuroscience influenced psychology?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

What are the advantages of the cognitive approach?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

How do schemas affect memory?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What is the role of brain imaging in cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

What is meant by cognitive biases?

Answer 12

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect decisions and judgments, often due to reliance on schemas or heuristics.

Question 13

How does the cognitive approach differ from the behaviorist approach?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What was the aim of Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 14

To investigate how memory is reconstructed when people are asked to recall something repeatedly over time.

Question 15

What story was used in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 15

“The War of the Ghosts” a Native American folk tale.

Question 16

What was the method used in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 16

Participants were asked to read the story and then recall it after various time intervals ranging from minutes to years.

Question 17

What is serial reproduction in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 17

A method where one participant writes down the story and the next participant reads and recalls it repeating the process.

Question 18

What is repeated reproduction in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 18

A method where the same participant recalls the story several times over different time intervals.

Question 19

What were the key findings of Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 19

Participants’ recollections became shorter more coherent and culturally familiar with each recall.

Question 20

What is the concept of “schema theory” in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 20

Schemas are mental structures that influence memory by filling in gaps and reshaping information based on cultural expectations and prior knowledge.

Question 21

What changes were observed in the recalled stories?

Answer 21

Participants omitted details transformed unfamiliar elements to align with their cultural schemas and added rationalizations to make the story more coherent.

Question 22

What is a strength of Bartlett’s (1932) study regarding ecological validity?

Answer 22

The study used a naturalistic approach focusing on how memory functions in real-world settings.

Question 23

What is a criticism of Bartlett’s (1932) study regarding experimental control?

Answer 23

The study lacked standardized procedures and controls which may have affected the reliability of the findings.

Question 24

How does Bartlett’s (1932) study challenge the idea of memory as a passive process?

Answer 24

The study shows memory is active and reconstructive influenced by schemas and cultural contexts.

Question 25

What is a criticism related to the sample in Bartlett’s (1932) study?

Answer 25

The sample was small and composed mainly of Cambridge University students limiting generalizability.

Question 26

How does Bartlett’s (1932) study contribute to our understanding of eyewitness testimony?

Answer 26

It highlights how memory distortions can occur due to reconstructive processes affecting the accuracy of eyewitness accounts.