Cognitive Approach Evaluations Flashcards
Cognitive Deterministic…
The cognitive approach is less deterministic than approaches such as the behaviourist approach.
For example, cognitive psychologists consider the role of mediational processes in behaviour. Therefore, individuals are not seen as passively responding to stimuli in the environment, but have a degree of control over what they pay attention to ect.
Therefore, this approach is an example of soft determinism, which is more flexible than the hard determinism views proposed by the behaviourist, biological and psychodynamic approaches.
Cognitive Practical applications…
The cognitive approach has useful theoretical and practical applications.
For example, the multi store model of memory is an example of an information processing model which is used to show how memory works. Furthermore, computer models have led to the development of artificial intelligence.
Therefore, the approach has been of practical benefit to society. AI is an existing advance which may revolutionise how we live in the future. Furthermore, applications such as AI could have positive economic implications.
Cognitive Scientific credibility…
The cognitive approach uses highly scientific methods of research.
For example, controlled lab experiments are used to study cognitive processes such as memory.
This is a strength because it means that findings are high in internal validity due to the high level of control over EVs.
Cognitive Ecological validity…
However, the research methods within the cognitive approach lace ecological validity.
For example, cognitive processes such as memory are investigated using artificial tasks such as memorising a list of words. This is not how we use our memory in everyday life.
This is a weakness because it means that research findings may not be generalisable to everyday life and may not reflect how cognitive processes influence our everyday behaviours.
