Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions for the cognitive approach?
Internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically.
Inferences should be made about what is going on in people’s minds based on their behaviour.
How are theoretical and computer models relevant to the cognitive approach?
The theoretical models that outline information processing are key for studying the cognitive approach.
Computer models are also used and suggest that the mind is similar to a computer in the way it processes information including the concept of a central processing unit, coding and stores.
What are schemas and how do they develop over time?
Schemas are packages of ideas and information developed through experiences that act as a mental framework for interpretation of incoming information. As you age your schemas become more sophisticated so babies have very simple schemas. They allow us to process a lot of information quickly, however they may lead to distortions of our interpretation of sensory information.
What is cognitive neuroscience and how has it emerged recently?
It is the scientific study of the influence of the brain structure on mental processes. Over the last 20 years technological developments have allowed scientists to observe and describe the neurological basis of cognitive processes this is very useful for linking parts of the brain to cognitive disorders. Computer generated models seem useful to analyse brain wave patterns also.
What are the evaluation points for the cognitive approach?
It uses scientific and objective methods - highly controlled and rigorous - so most of the data is reliable.
Machine reductionism means the computer analogy of the human mind ignores the role of emotion and motivation.
In may lack external validity - evidence from tests with an artificial stimulus.
