Cognitive Area

Question 1

Outline the main principles of the Cognitive area

Answer 1

• Investigation of our internal mental processes such as memory, thinking and reasoning that start with an input and result in an output observable in our behaviour.
• Use of experimental methods to infer thoughts by recording individual’s behaviour in cognitive tasks. Mind as mechanistic suggesting that we process information like a computer.
• Behaviour is highly predictable based on identifiable patterns in thinking.
• Thought pattems can be changed both as a result of free will and outside factor

Question 2

Outline one strength of the cognitive area

Answer 2

Point; Another strength of the Cognitive area is that it has many useful practical applications.

Explain; Findings from research can be applied to real life situations to improve or change the way in which groups of people or professions work.

Demonstrate this with evidence from this area of Psychology:

Grant et al found that people remember more if the environment in which the received/learnt the information is the same as the environment they are asked to recall it. This knowledge can be used by students when revising for exams, they could set up an environment at home that reflects that found in an exam and their results should increase.

Question 3

Outline one weakness of the cognitive area

Answer 3

Point; Another weakness of the cognitive area is that the research used reduces ecological validity.

Explain; This is a weakness as the findings from research may not reflect how behaviours occur real life, and therefore reduce the usefulness of the research.

Demonstrate this with evidence from this area of Psychology:

In the Moray study participants were asked to wear headphones and listen to different audio in each ear. One ear was played prose (stories) and participants were asked to shadow the message (verbally repeat the content they heard). In experiment one a list of words was played repeatedly to the rejected ear. This is not a behaviour that people take part on in generally in day to day life and therefore does not reflect audio attention in a real life setting and results cannot be generalized.

Question 4

Describe one application of the principes and concepts of the cognitive area

Answer 4

Eyewitness testimonies
L+P
Effect of leading questions

Question 5

Describe one application of the principes and concepts of the cognitive area

Answer 5

Eyewitness testimonies
L+P
Effect of leading questions