The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• internal mental processes can be investigated in controlled lab experiments
• mental processes cant be observed, they are studied indirectly and inferences are made
• mental processes are affected by schemas formed through experiences
• processes work similar to a computer
• theoretical models can explain how our memory and mind works

Question 2

What are internal mental processes ?

Answer 2

Processing information from our senses which directs how we behave. These processes must be studied to understand human behaviour.

Question 3

Define a schema

Answer 3

A mental representation of experience knowledge and understanding

Question 4

What do schemas do

Answer 4

• help us predict what will happen based on previous experience
• helps us process information quicker

Question 5

Schemas develop and evolve with experience and they prevent us from becoming overwhelmed with environmental stimuli

Answer 5

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Question 6

Schemas are cognitive _________, they help us _________ and interpret information. Helps us know how to _______ in certain situations based on previous experience.

Answer 6

Framework, organise, behave

Question 7

Negative affects of schema

Answer 7

• can lead to faulty conclusions and unhelpful behaviour
• can develop stereotypes that are difficult to confirm
• can distort our interpretation of sensory information
• can lead to errors or inaccurate eye witness testimonies (bias recall)

Question 8

Evidence to support schemas

Answer 8

Bugelsky and Alampay (1962) had two groups of people, both groups were shown a series of photos. One group were shown animals and the other was shown pictures of faces. The last picture shown to both groups was the same. They found the group shown the animals saw a rat and and the group that saw faces had seen a mans face.

Question 9

Models were used to represent how memory works, what are those models ?

Answer 9

MSM model- multi store model

Working memory model

Question 10

Define cognitive neuroscience

Answer 10

The scientific study of relating brain structure on our mental processes

Question 11

Advances in brain scanning means scientists have been able to describe the neurological basis of mental processing

Answer 11

It has been useful in establishing the neurological basis of some disorders e.g the basal ganglia in OCD

Question 12

Strengths of the cognitive approach

Answer 12

• uses scientific and objective methods
• enabled cognitive neuroscience to emerge
• dominated psychology in the 1960s
• less deterministic
• can be applied to other areas of psychology (biopsychology) and everyday life

Question 13

Limitations of the cognitive approach

Answer 13

• computer analogy criticised as it oversimplifies cognitive processing
• lacks external validity ( how a study can be applied to other settings
• full of assumptions made as you can’t observe mental processes
• ignores factors like emotions and motivation
• lacks ecological validity