Discuss The Cognitive Approach In Psychology

Question 1

Four assumptions Of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• Thoughts can and should be studied scientifically
• Humans process information like computers
• Mental processes lie between stimulus and response
• Humans organise and manipulate information from the environment

Question 2

2 experiments of the cognitive approach

Answer 2

Information processing model (Miller 1950)

Maceorth’s study (1948)

Question 3

Strengths of the cognitive approach

Answer 3

• It can predict behaviour and explain mental processes.

* It uses scientific objective experimental methods which allow for control and therefore validity of results.

Question 4

Limitations of the cognitive approach

Answer 4

• Models have been criticised for being reductionist ( ignoring the complexities of the human mind)
• Lacks ecological validity as it uses scientific objective experimental methods.
• It generalises processes to all humans.

Question 5

Explanation to the assumptions

Answer 5

Thought processes can be, and should be, studied scientifically. They therefore feel that introspection is too unscientific and that well controlled laboratory studies can investigate what we are thinking.

The mind works like a computer in that it has an input from our senses which if then processes and produces an output such as language or scientific behaviour.

Stimulus and response is appropriate but only is the thought processes that occur between the stimulus and response are acknowledged.

Question 6

What are the three important mental processes

Answer 6

Memory
Perception
Attention

Question 7

What is making an inference?

Answer 7

Making conclusions about mental processes by observing behaviour.

Question 8

What does the cognitive approach to psychology involve?

Answer 8

Testing theoretical models about how mental processes work.

Question 9

What is a schema?

Answer 9

A mental framework, which we can form our experiences.

Question 10

What do schemas affect?

Answer 10

Our expectations and behaviour

Question 11

What is something that matches our schema?

Answer 11

Assimilation

Question 12

What is something that does not match our schema?

Answer 12

Accommodation

Question 13

What are some evaluations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 13

Using inferences to assume underlying processes in thinking is unscientific.

Computers do not have features of human experiences such as emotion.

Cognitive neuroscience provides evidence in the WMM located in the prefrontal cortex.