Cognitive approach

Question 1

what is a schema?

Answer 1

a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain

Question 2

what is a theoretical model?

Answer 2

a simplified representation based on current research evidence. they are often pictorial using boxes and arrows to indicate cause and effect or stages of a particular mental process

Question 3

what is a computer model?

Answer 3

using computer analogy as a representation of human cognition

Question 4

how do cognitive psychologists understand behaviour?

Answer 4

looking at internal mental processes; must infer these processes as a result of measuring behaviour

Question 5

what do schemas do?

Answer 5

allow us to process a lot of information quickly without becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. however, they can cause us to exclude information which doesn’t fit in with our pre existing schemas leading to stereotypes and perceptual errors.

Question 6

explain how the methods used in cognitive approach are a STRENGTH

Answer 6

scientific methods such as lab experiments which are highly controlled and produce reliable, objective data. in addition, the emergence of cognitive neuroscience allows the fields of biology and psychology to come together. this means the study of the human mind has a credible, scientific basis.

Question 7

explain how the methods used in cognitive approach are a LIMITATION (m.r)

Answer 7

uses machine reductionism which simplifies the human brain, and excludes important factors which have an affect on behaviour for example human emotion and motivation. therefore, the approach cannot fully explain human behaviour and so the validity is decreased

Question 8

explain how the methods used in cognitive approach are a LIMITATION

Answer 8

as we can only infer mental process, it becomes subjective and lacking in hard evidence. furthermore the use of artificial stimuli may not represent everyday experience and so is lacking in external validity

Question 9

STRENGTH of the cognitive approach?

Answer 9

it has many practical and theoretical applications, for example in the field of artificial intelligence and mental health. in mental health, the cognitive approach says the cause of dysfunctional thinking is a result of faulty information processing. this has led to successful treatments for disorders such as depression and OCD using cognitive based therapy. strength because it can help people