the cognitive approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?
It argues that internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically. It investigated areas neglected by behaviourists e.g., memory, perception and thinking.
What are theoretical models?
A way of studying internal processes. One important theoretical model is the information processing approach, which suggests that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages that includes input, storage and retrieval.
What are computer models?
The mind is compared to a computer. These models use the concepts of a central processing unit (the brain), the concept of coding and the use of stores to hold information.
What is the role of schema?
Cognitive processing can often be affected by schema. Schema enables us to process lots of information quickly and this is useful as it prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes.
How has cognitive neuroscience progressed the cognitive approach?
In the last 20 years, with fMRI and PET scans, scientists have been able to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes.
Evaluation for the cognitive approach.
- Scientific methods
- Machine reductionism
- Real-life application
Evaluation: Scientific methods
Employs highly controlled and rigorous methods of study to enable researchers to infer cognitive processes at work. This has involved the use of lab studies to produce reliable, objective data.
Evaluation: Machine reductionism.
Machine reductionism of the computer analogy ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system e.g., research has found memory may be affected by emotional factors, such as anxiety on eyewitnesses.
Evaluation: Real-life application.
Cognitive principles have been applied to the treatment of depression and improved the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
