Cognitive approaches Flashcards
What is the cognitive approach?
The cognitive approach is focused on how our mental processes affect our behaviour. It argues that internal mental processes should be studied scientifically.
What are the assumptions of this approach?
The main assumption of the cognitive approach is that information received from our senses is processed by the brain and that this processing directs how we behave.
These internal mental processes cannot be observed directly, but we can infer what a person is thinking based on how they act.
What is the role of schemas?
A schema is a “ packet of information ” or cognitive framework that helps us organise and interpret information. They are based on our previous experience.
What are the research methods involved in this approach?
-Laboratory experiments
-Case studies
-Brain imaging
Describe the lab experiments involved.
These are the preferred method of investigation of the cognitive approach In these experiments, the extraneous variables are tightly controlled so they can be replicated, but they lack ecological validity as they take place in artificial environments, and the tasks are also artificial.
Describe case studies.
These are used to study rare conditions which provide insight into the working of some mental processes
Describe brain imaging.
MRI and Pet scans are used to map areas of the brain to cognitive function because of the processing of information by centres in the brain to be seen directly.
Applications (AO3)
It also helped us understand the causes of depression, and the approach also proposes a therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, which has shown to be effective for a range of mental disorders and, unlike drugs, has no side effects
Evaluation (AO3)
The cognitive approach uses a very scientific method, mainly lab experiments. These are controlled and replicable, so the results are reliable; however, they lack ecological validity because of the artificiality of the tasks and environment
