cognitive approach reveal last

Question 1

Soft determinism

Answer 1

Many commentators consider the hard determinist stance of the behaviourist approach – that free will is an illusion – as an extreme position, pointing to some element of free choice in our thoughts and behaviour. However, complete free will is also unlikely given the many and varied factors that exert an influence upon us. As such, the cognitive approach appears to offer a logical compromise in this debate in its suggestion that thoughts are ‘freely’ chosen but only within the limits of our knowledge and experience.

Question 2

Scientific methods

Answer 2

One strength of the cognitive approach is that it uses objective, scientific methods.
Cognitive psychologists employ highly controlled and rigorous methods of study so researchers are able to infer cognitive processes at work. This has involved the use of lab studies to produce reliable, objective data. In addition, the emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enabled the two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together to enhance the scientific basis of study.
This means that the study of the mind has a credible scientific basis.

Question 3

Counterpoint

Answer 3

As cognitive psychology relies on the inference of mental processes, rather than direct observation of behaviour, it can occasionally suffer from being too abstract and theoretical in nature. Similarly, research studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli (such as tests of memory involving word lists) that may not represent everyday experience.
Therefore, research on cognitive processes may lack external validity.

Question 4

Real-world application

Answer 4

Another strength of the cognitive approach is that it has practical application.
The cognitive approach is probably the dominant approach in psychology today and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts. For example, cognitive psychology has made an important contribution in the field of artificial intelligence (Al) and the development of ‘thinking machines’ (robots). These are exciting advances that may revolutionise how we live in the future. Cognitive principles have also been applied to the treatment of depression (see Year 1 book pages 152-153) and improved the reliability of eyewitness testimony (see Year 1 book pages 58-63).
This supports the value of the cognitive approach

Question 5

Machine reductionism

Answer 5

One limitation of the cognitive approach is that it is based on machine reductionism.
There are similarities between the human mind and the operations of a ‘thinking machine’ such as a computer (inputs and outputs, storage systems, use of a central processor). However, the computer analogy has been criticised. Such machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, and how this may affect our ability to process information. For instance, research has found that human memory may be affected by emotional factors, such as the influence of anxiety on eyewitnesses (see Year 1 book pages 60-61).
This suggests that machine reductionism may weaken the validity of the cognitive approach.