L5 - The Cognitive Approach: Internal Metal Processes

Question 1

What are key assumptions?

Answer 1

• Concerned with internal mental processes such as thoughts, perception, memory and attention
• Behaviour can only be understood through understanding the thought processing that happens before it. The cause of behaviour can be determined through making inferences
• The mind works like a computer: has an input from our senses which it produces to produce an output such as behaviour

Question 2

What is the role of models?

Answer 2

• Making inferences means going behind immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed.
• Theoretical Models are simplified representations based in current evidence. Models are pictorial, represented by boxes and arrows that indicate cause and effect. Models are often incomplete and frequently updated e.g Working Memory Model
• Computer models are also used. Using computers and an analogy, info is inputted through sense, coded into memory and combined with previously stored info. These are used to explain memory: long term is a hard disk and RAM is like working memory. Like Working Memory, RAM is c,eared and reset when a task has been carried out

Question 3

What is the Role of Schema?

Answer 3

Schema - mental representations of experience, knowledge and understanding. They help organise and interpret info in the brain e.g schemas for specific events are based on expectations of how to behave in a different situation or in different roles

Question 4

Positive and negatives of Schema

Answer 4

+ They are useful as they help us predict based on our previous experiences
+ Help prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
+ Enables us to process vast amounts of info rapidly

• Can distort out interpretation of sensory info
• Can lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate memories. Can cause biased recall as we see what we expect
• Negative/faulty schema may have a negative impact on mental health