The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Who is the founder of the approach?
Uris Neisser
What are 3 assumptions of the Cognitive Approach?
- Believes internal mental processes can be investigated using scientific methods & principles
- Assume that internal mental processes can be compared to those of computers
- Some mental processes are affected by schemas
What are schema’s?
Schema’s are a mental representation of knowledge and understanding
- helps us predict what is going to happen next based on experience
- gives the ability to process a lot of information quickly
- packets of info that help us organise/interpret information
What are three negative connotations to schema’s?
- Can sometimes lead to faulty conclusions
- May develop stereotypes which are difficult to confirm
- They can distort our interpretation of sensory information
What is the “multi-store model”?
Sensory Memory —> Short Term Memory —> Long Term Memory
Information retrieval
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The scientific study of relating brain structure on our mental processes and the research into memory linking episodic and semantic memories to the prefrontal cortex in the brain.
What are episodic memories?
Memories we remember through our feelings
What is a strength of the cognitive approach?
Uses scientific methods to prove theories allowing controlled environments during experiments showing that the results are reliable. It supports psychology as a science through its strong scientific basis.
What is a weakness of the cognitive approach?
It is based on soft determinism meaning our cognitive system can only operate within certain limits but we can still act freely even though our actions are caused by desires.
What is cognitive neuroscience a mix of?
Cognition and biological processes
