S&D Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What does the cognitive view believe sleeping does?
It states sleep improves mental processes such as memory and critical thinking and that the mind cleans up files, pruning out unnecessary information as well as strengthening the links between memories. It suggests redacts links between what we think about during the day and what appears in our dreams.
What is the order of mental processing?
Input, storage and output.
What is input?
When processes analyse a stimuli.
What is storage?
Processes that do everything internally, including coding and manipulating the stimuli.
What is output?
Processes responsible for preparing an appropriate response.
Example of cognitive approach?
Zammit found that insomnia sufferers exhibited lower scores on tasks involving concentration, memory, attention and problem solving compared to those who did not have insomnia.
Evidence of a nap being as good as an overnight’s sleep?
Seehagen et al found when babies were learning a new action those who took a nap showed better recall than those that did not nap.
What is a schema?
A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information to let us take shortcuts.
What does the cognitive approach believe a dream’s purpose is?
Domhoff states a dream is what is happening when the brain has no other task so the mind’s unusual processes of schemas, emotions and beliefs play a role in dream content.
What is the reorganisational theory?
Crick and Mitchison suggested that during sleep the cortex receives input from the brainstem during which synapses are modified so that unwanted connections are unlearned.
What is REM sleep for?
The function of REM sleep is to sort, discard and forget unwanted learning (reverse learning) and
REM sleep is the time for information consolidation.
What is deep sleep for?
Deep sleep is the time for strengthening the connections between neurons and transferring short term memories into long term.
What are adaptive memories?
Things that are useful to retain.
What are parasitic memories?
Useless or harmful memories.
How are dreams formed?
The unconnected ideas and memories are activated.
Evidence of the reorganisational theory?
They refer to species that lack REM sleep such as dolphins. These animals have large brains and researchers conclude that the pruning of memories during REM allows our brains to be smaller and more efficient.
What are 2 strengths of the theory?
1 - The theory gives us a clear suggestion about why REM sleep could be important which is a strength because we can see it in practice that better use could be made of the available space in the brain if unneeded memories are reversed.
2 - The theory is supported by evidence in terms of other species who don’t have REM sleep but have larger brains which is a strength because it suggests that if they have no REM sleep then no memories are forgotten and that explains why their brains are bigger.
What are 2 weaknesses of the theory?
1 - The theory lacks research on humans so it’s mostly based on computers/animals and can’t be applied to humans.
2 - It doesn’t explain why dreams have a narrative and make sense sometimes, so it does not fit well with the idea that random memories are activated and destroyed.
Aim of the Cziesler study?
To find a routine including light exposure which would help nightshift workers to fully adapt to daytime sleeping.
Method of the study?
Lab experiment.
Procedure?
Carried out on 9 men who had never worked a nightshift and they came to a lab at midnight for 6 days of shifts that involved staying awake and doing cognitive tests. The researchers designed a schedule of light exposure to help night shift workers. Men in the experimental group were only exposed to light during their nightshift. They were asked to stay in darkness between 9-5 and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Results?
Biological measures such as body temperature showed that the experimental group’s circadian rhythm was shifted over 9 hours and they slept for 2 hours longer than the control group who stayed roughly the same. The experimental group performed better on cognitive tests and it seemed their body clock was shifted from day to night due to the light exposure.
2 strengths of the study?
1 - They used a control and an experimental group which allows us to see the effect of the light as it can be compared to the group who didn’t have intervention.
2 - The participants had never worked a nightshift so their circadian rhythm wasn’t already changed.
2 weaknesses of the study?
1 - They used a small sample size so the sample is likely to suffer from bias meaning it can’t be generalised to the population as a whole.
2 - Several extraneous variables were not fully controlled as they were allowed to go home each day so they could have consumed caffeine or alcohol which is a weakness because the results may be unreliable if they didn’t follow rules.
4 conclusions of the study?
1 - Bright lights can shift someone’s circadian rhythm.
2 - Getting more sleep can improve cognitive functioning.
3 - Having low level light in the evening may not interrupt sleep patterns.
4 - Light therapy could be used to treat disorders like jet lag.
