COGNITIVE APPROACH

Question 1

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

Answer 1

Cognitive Psychologists are interested in how we process information. They look into how we input information, how we process that information, and, finally, how we retrieve that information.

Some believe the brain works like a computer, following the procedure of input, process, storage, and output.

The cognitive approach believes human behaviour can be explained as a set of scientific processes. Our behaviour can be explained as a series of responses to external stimuli.

Behaviour is controlled by our own thought processes, as opposed to genetic factors.

Cognitive approach uses scientific procedures to develop and test hypothesis using experimental techniques. Cognitive theories simplify cognitive processes and allow us to understand mental processes that are not directly observable (process tied to behaviour).

Areas of interest for cognitive psychologists include; memory and forgetting, perception, language, and attention.