L3) cognitive and neuroscience approach

Question 1

Identify the 4 assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• causes of behaviour
• computer model
• scientific method
• free will

Question 2

Causes of behaviour

Answer 2

• Behaviour is influenced by conscious and non-conscious internal mental processes
• We form ‘schema’ (mental templates) based on experience that shape the way we perceive and interpret the world around us
• Behaviour is impacted y processing that occurs between stimulus and response. - interpretation by schema

Question 3

Computer model

Answer 3

mput (acquisition) → Processing (storage) → Output (behaviour)

• Humans are information processors and as such functions can be modelled in a way that resembles computers

Question 4

What do they state about the scientific method?

Answer 4

Psychology is a science and should use experimental methods such as lab tests

• Mental processes can be indirectly inferred (logical assumption based on what is seen) from the observable behaviours

Question 5

What do cognitive approach state about free will?

Answer 5

• Humans are constrained by the way they store and interpret information,but can make conscious choices from alternatives.
• So not entirely free will as schemas still have an influence - soft determinists

Question 6

+ state the real world application of cognitive approach with a counter point

Answer 6

• Application of principles within CBT → a successful treatment for depression.phobias and OCD
  Improving people’s lives / adds to the economy

But CBT does not work for all individuals → so an alternative factor for example drug therapy → suggesting a role of genetics (biological approach)
**Moderate real world application **

Question 7

Explain the reductionist limitation of cognitive approach - With counter-point

Answer 7

• Machine reductionism
  Although share the processes
  Ignores the influence of emotion and motivation on the cognitive system - this may affect our ability to process information

Anxiety in EWT influence of emotional factors / cognitive interview
*
But is actually found on soft determinism recognises that our cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know/ but are free to think before responding to stimul*us

Question 8

explain the scientific strength with a counter point

Answer 8

High control / enables objectivity / control of extraneous variables and experimental manipulation of IV → preserves an element of internal validity

• But can lack mundane realism as tasks are often lacking in mundane realism and ecological validity

Question 9

Define the term cognitive neuroscience

Answer 9

The study of the biological structures and processes that underpin/ relate to cognition in order to understand thinking .

cognitive neuroscience integrates cognition and biological processes
· it aims to explore the neurobiological basis of thought processes and disorders

Question 10

Methods of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 10

• the use of scanning techniques such as fMRI and EEG
• the study (experimentally or through a case-study approach) of neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals to locate and compare the physical basis of cognitive processes in the brain

Question 11

Links to year 12 of cognitive neuroscience method

Answer 11

Links to Y12: the study of types of LTM through fMRI; the biological basis of OCD e.g. the role of the worry circuit in intrusive thoughts and the parahippocampal gyrus in unpleasant emotions, localisation

Question 12

Emergence of cognitive neuroscience - How did it come about?

Answer 12

• ‘cognitive science’ was formally formed in 1956 and ‘cognitive neuroscience’ was coined by Miller and Gazzaniga in the 1970s
  ·
• cognitive neuroscience has emerged with improvements in technology such as fMRI and PET scans

Question 13

Real world application of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 13

OCD treatment and cause / application in rehabilitation

Question 14

More comprehensive strength of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 14

Includes two elements of biology and cognition which makes it integrate cognitive and biological
Which makes the
Argued to be more deterministic

Question 15

Scientific and counter argument strength of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 15

High control / enables objectivity / control of extraneous variables and experimental manipulation of IV → preserves an element of internal validity
But can lack mundane realism as tasks are often lacking in mundane realism and ecological validity
Brain scanners measure blood flow but we think in electrical processes → fMRIs → flawed methodology which undermines the validity of research done .

Question 16

define the term inference

Answer 16

going beyond the immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed.