The Approaches: The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

According to the cognitive approach what does our mind work like?

Answer 1

A computer

Question 2

How is the cognitive approach different to the behaviorist approach?

Answer 2

The cognitive approach suggests we actively process and organise information WHEREAS the behaviourist approach suggests we passively respond to stimuli

Question 3

What is meant by ‘inferences’

Answer 3

Going beyond the immediate evidence to draw logical assumptions about internal mental processes

Question 4

Describe the three-stage process of the computer model

Answer 4

INPUT (info from env.) –> PROCESS (we interpret) —-> OUTPUT (behaviour)

Question 5

What is one benefit of using models according to the cognitive approach?

Answer 5

They provide testable theories about mental processing and can be studied scientifically

Question 6

What is meant by ‘schemas’?

Answer 6

Mental representations

Question 7

How are ‘schemas’ created?

Answer 7

Experience

Question 8

Where are ‘schemas’ held?

Answer 8

In our LTM

Question 9

Name one reason why schemas are beneficial

Answer 9

• Can help us predict what might happen
• Help us make quick decisions
• Prevent us from being overwhelmed

Question 10

Name one reason why schemas may not be beneficial

Answer 10

• Biased recall / EWT; we will recall what we expect to see
• Negative schemas may make an individual vulnerable to depression