Lesson 5 - Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Cognitive Approach Assumptions

Answer 1

The Role of Models
The Role of Schemas
Cognitive Neuroscience

Question 2

The Role of Models

Answer 2

Making inferences
=> Going beyond immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be observed
Theoretical Models
Computer Models

Question 3

Theoretical Models

Answer 3

Simplified representations based on current research evidence
Often pictorial, represented by boxes and arrows that indicate cause and effect
E.g. multi store model of memory

Question 4

Computer Model

Answer 4

The mind is compared to a computer
Central processing unit = brain
Coding = turning information into accessible format
Stores = hold information

Question 5

The Role of Schemas

Answer 5

Mental representations of experience, knowledge and understanding
Help organise and interpret information in the brain

Help predict what will happen in the world based on previous experience
Enable us to process vast amounts of information rapidly
Prevent becoming overwhelmed by stimuli
Can distort sensory information interpretation
Lead to perceptual errors / inaccurate memories
Cause bias recall
Negative / faulty schema = bad mental health

Question 6

Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 6

The scientific study of the influence of brain on mental processes
=> neurobiological structures, mechanisms, processes and chemistry

Practical applications
=> Brain imaging; PET and fMRI used to locate difference types of memory to different areas
=> Episodic = hippocampus, Semantic = temporal lobe, Procedural = cerebellum

Question 7

Cognitive Approach Evaluation Points

Answer 7

Scientific
Negative Schema
Deterministic
Machine Reductionism
Abstract

Question 8

Cognitive Approach Evaluation
Scientific
Positive and Negative

Answer 8

Scientific and objective
Lab experiment when collecting data => high levels of control allowing cause and effect to be established

Lacks ecological validity

Question 9

Cognitive Approach Evaluation
Negative Schema
Positive

Answer 9

Used to explain development of negative schemas aiding in understanding of depression
Helps develop therapies
=> CBT

Question 10

Cognitive Approach Evaluation
Deterministic
Positive

Answer 10

Less deterministic
Founded on soft determinism
Free will recognised before responding to stimulus
=> Interactionist

Question 11

Cognitive Approach Evaluation
Machine Reductionist
Negative

Answer 11

Computer analogy ignores:

• Motivation
• Emotion
• Mistakes
• Forgetting
• Ignoring information

Question 12

Cognitive Approach Evaluation
Abstract
Negative

Answer 12

Too theoretical and abstract

Can’t be applied to everyday life