Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Explain assumption one of the cognitive approach (mental processes)
It sees human beings as information processors. We take in information from the world around us to make sense and respond.
E.g. A dog is a schema- we have to pay attention to it to perceive its features, to see if we recognise it to name it.
Explain the second assumption of the cognitive approach (mind is like a computer)
The mind takes in information changes it, stores it and then recalls it when necessary.
E.g. The multi-store memory model. Information enters through the sense and then moves to the short term memory then the long term memory. When information is retrieved it becomes output.
What is the attribution theory of the cognitive approach?
The process of explaining the behaviour of other people.
What is a dispositional attribution?
It is made when interns, or dispositional factors are used such as a persons traits.
E.g. We might explain a persons behaviour which is loud in terms of their extrovert personality.
What is a situational attribution?
It is made when external or situational factors are used, such as social norms or luck.
E.g. We might explain a persons loud behaviour in terms of a noisy environment.
What is the fundamental attribution error? (FAE)
Heider suggested that people prefer to make dispositional attributions. This is called the FAE. It is a basic fundamental mistake.
E.g. If we are served by someone rude, we are more likely to presume they are a rude person (dispositional) rather than they are having a bad day (situational).
What is Kelleys co-variation model?
Kelley suggested that attribution behaviour can be explained in terms of covariation. When things covary we assume that one has caused the other. Attributions are determined by the covariance of 3 factors.
What are the 3 factors in Kelleys co-variation model that determine covariance?
Consistency- behaving the same all the time in a given situation.
Distinctiveness- behaving the same in different situations.
Consensus- whether other people also act this way in this situation.
What is the actor/observer bias in the cognitive approach?
We prefer to explain our own (the actors) behaviour in terms of situation and the terms of disposition for others.
What is the self-serving bias in the cognitive approach?
We take credit for our successes and disassociate from our failures blaming external factors. This protects self-esteem and gives us a sense of control.
What is the aim of rational emotive therapy within the cognitive approach?
Aim is to identify irrational thoughts and replace them with rational ones.
Dr Ellis believed that psychological problems occur as a result of irrational thinking and that individuals develop self-defeating habits because of fault beliefs.
What is the link between rational emotive therapy and the cognitive approach?
Behaviours can be explained in terms of mental processes. It’s argued that maladaptive behaviours are due to faulty or irrational thinking.
What is the ABCDE model in the cognitive approach?
A: activating event (results in anxiety) B: beliefs (which are irrational) C: consequences of the event D: disputing beliefs E: effects of disputing
What is unconditional positive regard in the cognitive approach?
If a client feels worthless they are less willing to consider changing their bleakest and behaviour. However if the therapist provides respect regardless of what the client does or says this will facilitate changes in beliefs and attitudes.
What research is there into the cognitive approach?
Ckis
90% success rate on patients taking an average of 27 sessions.
