L5 - The Cognitive Approach (Internal Mental Processes)

Question 1

what are the key assumptions of the COGNITIVE APPROACH?

Answer 1

• psychology should be the study of INTERNAL MENTAL PROCESSES, e.g memory, perception etc
• the importance of the ROLE OF SCHEMA
• it is appropriate to make INFERENCES about cognitive processes
• the use of models of explanation - theoretical and computer models
• possiblity of combining cognitive processes and biological structures (COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE)

Question 2

what is the need for models in cognitive psychology?

Answer 2

making INFERENCES means going beyond the immediate evidence to make ASSUMPTIONS about mental processes that cannot be directly observed

Question 3

theoretical models in cognitive psychology

Answer 3

THEORETICAL MODELS in cognitive psychology (such as the multi store model of memory) are SIMPLIFIED REPRESENTATIONS based on current research evidence. Models are often PICTORIAL IN NATURE, represented by BOXES AND ARROWS that indicate CAUSE AND EFFECT in mental processes.

Models are often incomplete and frequently updated. E.g the WORKING MEMORY MODEL was first proposed in 1974 but a FOURTH COMPONENT was ADDED IN 2000.

Question 4

computer models in cognitive psychology

Answer 4

cognitive psychologists have also made use of COMPUTER MODELS to explain mental processes. Using computers as an ANALOGY, information is INPUTTED through the SENSES, CODED into memory and then combined with previously stored information.

Computer models are often used to explain memory, LONG TERM MEMORY is like a HARD-DISK and RAM is like WORKING MEMORY. Like working memory, RAM is cleared and reset when a task has been carreid out

Question 5

what are schema and what is their role?

Answer 5

SCHEMA are MENTAL REPRESENTATIONS of EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. They help organise and interpret information in the brain. For example, schema for specific events are based on EXPECTATIONS OF HOW TO BEHAVE in different situations or different roles. Schema are useful because they help us predict what will happen in our world based on our previous experiences.

Schema also enable us to PROCESS VAST AMOUNTS OF INFORMATION RAPIDLY. Finally, schema prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.

Question 6

is their a downside to schema?

Answer 6

however, schema can distort our interpretation of SENSORY INFORMATION. Schema could also lead to PERCEPTUAL ERRORS or INACCURATE MEMORIES. They can cause BIASED RECALL as we see what we expect. NEGATIVE OR FAULTY SCHEMA may have a NEGATIVE IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH.