Paper 2- Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

-Thought processes should and can be studied scientifically
-The mind works like a computer. It has an input from the senses which is then processed to produce outputs such as language and specific behaviour.

Question 2

What are schemas?

Answer 2

Cognitive representations of our ideas about a person or a situation that is formed through experience. They allow us to predict what may happen or what is to be expected. They mean that we can process information quickly but the can distort our protection of something.

Question 3

What are theoretical and computer models?

Answer 3

Theoretical Models: In cognitive psychology, models are simplified, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence. These models are frequently updated, changed and refined.

Computer model: refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition (input, process, output)

Question 4

Why is cognitive neuroscience an important part of the conative approach?

Answer 4

The emergence of fMRI scans and MRI scans can help support psychologists provide proof for their research. The scans can show what parts of the brain are active in different circumstances.

This could be vitally important, potential to analyse brain wave patterns of eye witnesses in court.

Question 5

Evaluation of the cognitive approach? (Strenghths)

Answer 5

STRENGHTHS

Scientific method- One strength of the cognitive approach is that it uses objective, scientific methods.
Cognitive psychologists employ highly controlled and rigorous methods of study so researchers are able to infer cognitive processes at work.
This has involved the use of lab studies to produce reliable data. In addition, the emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enabled the two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together to enhance the scientific basis of study.

Real World Application- The cognitive approach has practical application. It is probably the most dominant approach in psychology today and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts.
For example, cognitive psychology has made an important contribution in the field of artificial intelligence and the development of ‘thinking machines’ (robots).
These are exciting advances that may revolutionise how we live in the future.
Cognitive principles have also been applied to the treatment of depression and improved the reliability of eyewitness testimony.

Question 6

Evaluation of Cognitive Approach? (limitations)

Answer 6

LIMITATIONS

COUNTER-argument for scientific method
As cognitive psychology relies on the inference of mental processes, rather than direct observation of behaviour, it can occasionally suffer from being too abstract and theoretical in nature.
Similarly, research studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli (such as test of memory using word lists) that may not represent everyday experience.
Therefore, research on cognitive processes may lack external validity and have a low mundane validity.

Machine Reductionism
-A limitation is that the approach is based on machine reductionism.
There are similarities between the human mind and the operations of a ‘thinking machine’ such as a computer – inputs and outputs, storage systems, the use of a central processor).
However, the computer analogy has been criticised. Such machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, and how this may affect our ability to process information.
For instance, research has found that human memory may be affected by emotional factors, such as the influence of anxiety on eyewitnesses.