The Cognative Approach

Question 1

Explain its history.

Answer 1

Revolutionised psychology in 1960 and became dominant in 1970s. Upriver Neisse (1967) published cognitive psychology which marked the start of this approach.

Question 2

What are its assumptions?

Answer 2

1. Internal mental processes can be investigated scientifically.
2. Mental processes are private and cannot be observed. Cognitive psychologist must make inferences.
3. Internal mental processes are affected by schema.
4. Internal mental processes work in a similar way to a computer.

Question 3

Explain internal mental processes.

Answer 3

1. Information received from our senses is processed in the brain and this affects how we behave.
2. Various cognitive functions work together to help us make sense of the world.

Question 4

What is the schema and its role?

Answer 4

1. They are the mental representations of experience, knowledge, and understanding.
2. Schemas develop and eve love with experience.
3. They help us predict what will happen in the world based on past experiences.
4. We process lots of information very quickly due to schemas.