the approaches Flashcards
the cognitive approach
it argues that internal mental processes should be measured scientifically it looks at the areas neglected by the behaviourist approach , such as memory , perception ad thinking.
memory perception and thinking
these are private mental processes that cannot be observed , they are studied indirectly by making inferences. looking a the mind based on behaviour
the role of schema
cognitive processing can often be affected by peoples beliefs of expectations, this is referred to as schema.
schema are ‘packages’ or ideas and information gathered though experience.
schema helps you respond appropriately
what is schema
a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that affect cognitive processing, they are developed from experience,
how can the schema help with processing info
the schema enables us to take in lots of information quickly, it is a sort of mental shortcut that helps us from not being overwhelmed by too much information. by blocking out stimuli that are unimportant, leaving the important info to be processed faster. however schema may sometimes distort information leading to preconceptual errors.
what does the cognitive approach do
studies internal processes scientifically
what is the information processing approach
it is a theoretical model which suggest that information flows though the cognitive system in a sequence of stages. input storage and retrial.
the MSM
Atkinson and Shiffrin
it describes how information flows though the memory system
it suggests memory is made up of 3 stored linked by processing
one strength of the cognitive approach as a scientific method
it uses objective scientific methods. using highly controlled methods of research so they are able to infer cognitive processes
this can involve lab studies to produce this objective data
the emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enabled cognitive psychology and biology to come together on s scientific basis, meaning the study of the mind has scientific credibility
limitation of the cognitive approach as a scientific method
it relies of inference rather than direct observations it can be too abstract and theoretical.
when using artificial stimuli to study mental processes it may not represent everyday experiences meaning it can not be generalised , therefore it may lack external validity
limitation of cognitive approach based on machine reductionism
machine reductionism may reduce the validity to the cognitive approach as it ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how it may effect the ability to process information
FMRI scan stands for..
functional magnetic resonance imaging
PET scan stands for..
positron emission tomography
