Lesson 5: The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What is the general idea of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

Argues that the internal mental processes can be studied scientifically.
Cannot be observed directly, uses inferences from cognitive internal processes
Uses computer models as comparison to the mind. Similarities in way info is processed.

Question 2

The role of the schema:

STUDY BY BARTLETT

Answer 2

Schema: packages of ideas and info developed through experience. Act as mental framework for interpretation of incoming information (received by cognitive system)
Enable us to process info quickly
Useful as a mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
Use out schemas in unfamiliar situations to make sense of distorted info

Question 3

Study of schema:

BARTLETT

Answer 3

• English pp given American folk tale story, The war of the ghosts
• unfamiliar and strange story because v different culture to England
• English pp changed story to fit their own schema
• Details became more English and order changed to make it more logical
• bows- guns, canoes- cars
• People use their own schemas to help interpret info

Question 4

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 4

Scientific study of the influence of the brain structure on mental processes
Advances in brain imaging techniques allowed for scientists to systematically observe and describe neurological basis of mental processes. (Tulsi good showing different types of LTM)
Scanning techniques also proved helpful in establishing neurological basis of mental disorders

Question 5

Study of cognitive neuroscience

MAGUIRE

Answer 5

Taxi driver brains:
- wanted to investigate if brain anatomy was pre described or susceptible to plastic changes
-‘The Knowledge’
- aim was to examine whether structural changes could be detected in brain of people with extensive experience of spatial awareness
32 males in 2 groups- control and on the job for 18 months minimum
-MRI scans done
-Right posterior hippocampus in brain of taxi driver bigger than control group
- part of brain responsible for storing visual representation of environment
- shows importance of MRI scans

Question 6

Evaluation of cognitive approach

Answer 6

GOOD- scientific and objective methods
GOOD- real life application
GOOD- less determinist
BAD- lack of application to real life
BAD- inferences made about internal mental process not objective
BAD- machine reductionism