Paper 2 questions

Question 1

State one assumption of the cognitive approach.

Answer 1

• internal mental processes can be studied
• mental processes can involve schema
• theoretical and computer models can be used
• it is possible to make inferences about mental processes (eg from models)
• neural mechanisms can be combined with cognitive processes in cognitive neuroscience.

Question 2

Outline cognitive neuroscience

Answer 2

• cognitive neuroscience aims to explore the neurobiological basis of thought processes and disorders
• cognitive neuroscience has emerged with improvements in technology such as fMRI and PET scans
• cognitive science was formally formed in MIT in 1956 and cognitive neuroscience was coined by George Miller and Michael Gazzaniga in the 1970s.

Question 3

What is meant by the term ecological validity?

Answer 3

the extent to which behaviours observed and recorded in a study reflect the behaviours that
actually occur in the real world.

Question 4

Describe the structure and function of a neuron.

Answer 4

• Neurons enable communication within the nervous system
• the cell body contains the genetic material
• branch-like dendrites extend from the cell body
• dendrites carry functional information towards the cell body
• dendrites can receive information from other neurons
• axons carry messages away from the cell body
• axons can be myelinated to increase speed of nerve transmission
• terminal boutons are at the end of axons, these make synaptic connections with other cells
• axon terminals contain neurotransmitters.

Question 5

Outline the difference in function between Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area.

Answer 5

• Broca’s area is responsible for speech production whereas Wernicke’s area is responsible for language comprehension
• Broca’s area enables speech to be fluent whereas Wernicke’s area enables speech to be meaningful.