L1: Introduction Flashcards
1
Q
What is the information processing approach
A
Specific cognitive function is thought of as a series of stages starting with input and finishing as output
2
Q
Negatives/limitations of information processing approach
A
- Strictly serial (one step at a time) doesn’t allow for parallel processing. Many automated processes can involve a large degree of parallel processing
- assumes strict bottom up processing, ignores the influences of the ‘top’ can have on very low stages of processing
3
Q
Name the 5 different ways/approaches to studying cognition
A
- experimental cognitive psychology
- cognitive neuropsychology
- cognitive neuroscience
- computation modelling
- artificial intelligence
4
Q
Outline experimental cognitive psychology (bit of evaluation as well)
A
- controlled lab settings
- experimental manipulations to study cognition
- traditionally doesn’t care about underlying brain processes
- utilises behavioural measures instead of ‘brain measures’
- huge contribution on making psychology an empirical science
(-) ecological validity
5
Q
Outline cognitive neuropsychology and its limitations
A
- involved studying cognition in brain damaged patients (lesions, structural damage etc)
- IDENTIFY which cognitive functions are impaired snd which are still intact when certain brain areas are damaged
(-) can’t really get pre v post measures of patients performance
(-) brain damage often affects several areas, hard to establish cause and effect
(-) brain may not be strictly modular (this approach assumes modularity, and thus domain specificity)
6
Q
Outline cognitive neuroscience
A
- typically involves measuring brain activity while participants perform cognitive tasks
- relate brain structure and function to cognitive processes
7
Q
Dorsal/superior = ? Ventral/Inferior = ? Medial = ? Rostral/anterior =? Posterior = ? Lateral = ?
A
Dorsal/superior = top Ventral/Inferior = bottom Medial = middle Rostral/anterior = front Posterior = back Lateral = situated at the side
