Lesson 5: The Cognitive Approach (Internal Mental Processes)

Question 1

What does it mean to make inferences?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

The role of models

Answer 2

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 are frequently updated. For example, the Working Memory Model was first proposed in 1974, but a fourth component was added in 2000.

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, longterm 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 carried out.

Question 3

The role of schema

Answer 3

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 a different situation (e.g. a restaurant or a classroom) or in different roles (e.g. as a prison guard or a student). 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.

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 (e.g. the negative triad).

Question 4

Outline the cognitive approach

Answer 4

• Behaviour is influenced by thoughts that can be both conscious and non conscious- internal mental processes
• Schema are the mental representation of experience, knowledge and understanding
• Mental processes are information processing and the processing can be compared to that of a computer
• Models can be used to provide testable theories about mental processing and these can be studied scientifically and inferences can be made
• Cognition and biological processes can be integrated leading to cognitive neuroscience as a way forward to understanding human behaviour
• Methodology- use of controlled experimentation- inference about mental processes on the basis of observed behaviour