cognitive approach Flashcards
using theoretical models to break down behaviour into sequences of mental processes.
the cognitive approach involves measuring …… behaviour to make …. about how ….. work
observable
inferences
mental processes
Cognitive psychologists use these inferences to test …….. of mental processes, which are..
theoretical models which are falsifiable
what is the aim of cognitive neuroscience: to relate …
to relate mental processes to brain structures
not: to relate theoretical models to mental
processes, to use biological terms to explain behaviour, to use computers to explain mental
processes
what is fundamental assumption about the cog app
that b is the result of internal mental processes, both conscious and inconscious
what is the methodology of the cogapp
use of controlled experimentation – inference about mental
processes on the basis of observed behaviour.
what are the 3 components of the cog app
schemas
theoretical models
computer models
what are schemas
a framework/blueprint in the brain that organises and interprets info. allowing us to take shortcuts through masses of info, allowing exclusion of info that doesnt conform, and allow the brain to fill in gaps where info is missing, can result in formation of sterotypes
explanation why using schema might not be useful
can distort our interpretation of sensory information.
can lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate EWT / memories.
can cause biased recall / see what we expect
negative / faulty schema may have a negative impact on mental health
explanation why using schema might be useful
helps us predict what will happen in our world based on our experiences.
enables us to process vast amounts of information rapidly.
prevents us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
what are theoretical models/what are they used for
the use of models to represent/explain internal mental processes.
Models can be used to provide testable theories about mental processing and these can be studied scientifically and inferences made.
they explain HOW info is processed
what are/exp use of computer models
computer analogy / mind operates/mental processes process info in a similar way to a computer to bring about B
human information processing is analogous to the way a
computer works – input, storage and retrieval systems, hardware and software (ltm)
leaving little room for the irrationality seen in emotional
behaviours.
what is cognitive neuroscience
Cognition and biological processes can be integrated leading to cognitive
neuroscience as a way forward to understanding human behaviour.
aims to explore the neurobiological bases of thought processes and disorders in explaining B
what techniques are used in cogneurosci
non invasive brain scanning eg pet, fMRI. the p carries out a task and areas of the brain active are shown
give an eg of a study and its findings for cogneurosci
barnett- when people were guilty, several brain regions are active so they light up on the scan
what is a strength of cogneurosci
it can show the changes of brain plasticity throughout life which supports the role of E/exp influencing the brain and subsequent B
what is a lim of cogneurosci
uncontrolled cognitions are complex such as impulsive thoughts.
therefore the fact that some tasks are easy to record might be oversimplified and so not reflect the complexities of everyday life
strength: RWA in social psych
strength: scientific approach
the use of the experimental method provides researchers with a rigorous method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach accurate conclusions about how the mind works.
experiments allow for replication and constant refining of methods to test and restest theories, therefore concls are objective rather than based of self report
so better than common sense and introspection as these can give a misleading picture of mental processes, most of which are not consciously accessible
lim of the use of comp models
they are used to exp human coding using terms like encoding, storage and retrieval, which comes from computers. however there is a difference between the info processing in computers and in the human mind. computers do not make mistakes no do they ignore available info or forget anything whereas humans do
approach is seen as mechanical, leaves little room for irrationality seen in emotional Bs
