P2 Approaches 4. Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What is the cognitive approach?
It recognises that mental processes cannot be directly studied, but must be studied by inferring what goes on as a result of measuring behaviour.
What is a schema?
A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain.
-They allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information
-It helps us to fill the gaps in the absence of information about a person, event or thing (e.g “foreign foods”)
What are theoretical models?
Theoretical models are simplified models, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental processes based on current research methods.
What are computer models?
The computer model refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition
What is cognitive neuroscience?
This is an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions
What are strengths of the cognitive approach?
-It’s application to the treatment of psychological disorders (it has led to the development of successful treatments)
-The use of scientific methods (it provides researchers with a method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach accurate conclusions)
What are limitations of the cognitive approach?
-The limitations of computer models (computer models are not an accurate representation of the human mind)
-It ignores emotion and motivation (although it can tell us how different cognitive processes take place, it fails to tell us why they do)
-The studies may lack ecological validity (many studies of the cognitive approach tend to use tasks that have little in common with participants’ everyday experiences)
