L1: Intro to Cognitive

Question 1

What was the first cognitive experiment?

Answer 1

Franciscus Donders (Dutch physiologist) invents the subtraction method (1868)
Rationale behind this method:
If you measure 2 variations of the same mental function that only differ in 1 aspect, the observed difference between these two variations can be attributed to that 1 aspect in which they are different.

Question 2

How did Wundt measure the mind?

Answer 2

Wundt was an empiricist
There are observable and measurable effects that allow inferences about the mind
Trained experimental participants in the method of introspection
Wundt’s goal was to create a periodic table of the mind
Method limited to conscious thought.

Question 3

Explain ebbinghaus’ approach to memory

Answer 3

Instead of introspection he used quantitative methods
- counting correct and incorrect responses trying to remember his infamous nonsense syllables.

Question 4

How did James introduce functionalism?

Answer 4

James’ approach to studying the mind was based on observations and focused on functionality (not empiricist).
Principles of Psychology (1890) was the first Psychology textbook ever published.

Question 5

What did Noam Chomsky propose?

Answer 5

The ability for verbal behaviour is innate

Question 6

What are the two key concepts of the cognitive revolution?

Answer 6

Any mental activity is seen as an information processing problem.
- Mental representations
- Transformations of mental representations