Schemas & Cognitive Neuroscience (approaches | The Cognitive Approach) Flashcards
Schemas are
shortcuts
Schemas are shortcuts which: facilitate
the speedy processing of information
Schemas are shortcuts which: stop the mind from becoming
overwhelmed by environmental stimulation
Schemas allow people to
predict what may happen and are based on previous experience
Schemas allow people to predict what may happen and are based on previous experience e.g.
‘I’ve been on a beach holiday before so I know to pack lots of SPF’
Schemas act as a
mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information
Schemas act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information e.g.
‘I can see lots of car brake lights on which means I’m in for a long wait in a traffic jam’
Schemas are unique to
the individual but many schemas will be shared
Schemas are unique to the individual but many schemas will be shared e.g.
Everyone has a ‘cat’ schema but only specific person will have a specific ‘my pet cat called Fluffy’ schema
Schemas may be
simple and concrete (e.g. a cat schema) or complex and abstract (e.g. a ‘freedom’ schema)
As people get older their schemas become
more multi-layered and sophisticated
Babies are born with
simple motor schemas for innate behaviours e.g. sucking
Culture affects schemas as it
shapes experiences
Cognitive neuroscience (CN) investigates
the relationship/interaction between cognition and neural mechanisms, brain chemistry and brain structure
The origins of CN lie in the mid-19th century with the discovery that
Broca’s area (part of the frontal lobe) is linked to speech production
New technology e.g.
fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes
New technology e.g. fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes for example:
Maguire et al. (2000) found
increased volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampi of London taxi drivers using MRI technology
New technology e.g. fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes for example:
Maguire et al. (2000), thus
this part of the brain is localised to spatial navigation
New technology e.g. fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes for example: Raine et al. (1997) found via PET scans that
impulsive murderers under-utilise their pre-frontal cortex when making decisions
New technology e.g. fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes for example: Raine et al. (1997), this finding may explain
the nature of their unpremeditated crimes
Recently the expanded focus of CN has included the use of
computer-generated models, which, in effect, ‘read’ the brain, leading to mind mapping techniques (brain ‘fingerprinting’)
In healthcare, computer models and mind mapping can be used
diagnostically and during surgery
