Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What is the Cognitive Approach
The cognitive approach was developed in the 1960’s as a reaction to the behaviourist approach and the assumption that humans are simply responding to their environmental stimuli. The cognitive approach therefore emphasises out ability to process information before we respond / react.
How does the cognitive psychologists explain human behaviour
Central to the cognitive view of people is the idea that they actively try to make sense of their environment by imposing order and meaning on the things they encounter. Cognitive explanations of behaviour are based around the ways in which people organise and process information relevant to particular ways of acting.
A Cognitive psychologist might explain this in terms of schemas driven processing. Schemas are ways of organising knowledge and experience of the world into generic ‘templates’ that are used to make sense of objects, situations and people we encounter.
The Role Of Schemas
Schemas are shortcuts to pre-existing beliefs from our own experiences and stereotypes to figure out a puzzle or complication in a new situation which we will interpret information on.
The Role Of Theoretical Models
Theoretical Model links to the Multi-Store Model Of Memory / Working Memory Model. In cognitive psychology models such as the multi-store model of memory or the working memory model are simplified representations based on current research evidence.
The Role Of Computer Models
Developments in computing led to a focus on computer models representing cognitive processes, EG information stored on the hard disk is like long term memory and RAM corresponds to working memory. Computer Models can be used to simulate human processing and test our understanding of a particular cognitive process
The Emergence of cognitive neuroscience
Invention of non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI have enabled cognitive neuroscience to improve understanding of the living brain and its activity during cognition eg when people feel guilty, certain brain regions associated with social emotions active.
Strength: The cognitive approach has many useful applications
In Social psychology, social cognition research has improved understanding of errors and biases in interpretation of the causes of others behaviour. The cognitive approach to psychopathology can explain dysfunctional behaviour and give rise to treatments for illnesses such as depression.
Strength: The cognitive approach is scientific
Cognitive Psychologists favor rigorous scientific method and experimentation for creating theories and models of cognition.
Conclusions are thus based on more than introspection which can give a misleading picture of mental processes, especially if they are not consciously accessible.
Limitations: Rigidity of computer models
There are important differences between the computerised information processing compared to the human mind. Computers do not make mistakes, ignore available information or forget anything that has been stored. Humans on the other hand, do all of these thing, making direct comparisons difficult.
Limitations: Ignores emotion and motivation
The cognitive approach can tell us how different cognitive processes take place but not why they do. There is over-dependence on information-processing analogies which ignore human emotions and motivations.
Limitations: Laboratory studies lack ecological validity
Much cognitive psychology research might be criticised as lacking ecological validity. It fails to generalise to other settings, some memory experiments involve tasks such as remembering random word lists or digits. It is unlikely
