Cognitive approach AO3 Flashcards
What is the 1st strength of the cognitive approach?
Point: There is emphasis on scientific method.
How does the cognitive approach emphasise scientific method? (Evidence, explain, link)
Evidence: Studies in this approach are objective and controlled
Explanation: Meaning that we can form accurate conclusions about the mind that is not based on opinion
Link: Therefore, the approach is scientific
What is the 1st limitation of the cognitive approach?
Point: It uses computer based terminology such as encoding and storage.
Why is using computer based terminology a limitation? (Evidence, explain, link)
Evidence: There is a difference between information processes in a human mind and a computer
Explanation: Because computers do not make mistakes like humans do
Link: Therefore computer models may not be generalised to humans.
What is the 2nd limitation of the cognitive approach?
Point: The approach is reductionist (reduces behaviour to thought processes)
Why is the approach reductionist? (Evidence, explain, link)
Evidence: Approach fails to explain why processes (e.g. schemas) occur for example, by explaining the role of emotion and motivation
Explanation: There are other explanation for behaviour such as the behaviourist and biological approach
Link: Therefore it oversimplifies behaviour
What is the 3rd strength of the cognitive approach?
Point: It can be applied to many areas of psychology
Why and how can the cognitive approach be applied to many areas of psychology? (Evidence, explain, link)
Evidence: Social psychology - It has helped how we form impressions of other people due to schemas
Explanation: So it can help us understand stereotypes and make judgements of other people
Link: Therefore approach has application to explaining real-life behaviour
