The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What is the fundamental belief?
Behaviour is the result of internal mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning.
What is a schema?
Framework in the brain that helps organise and interpret information
What is the role of schemas?
Allows us to take shortcuts through the mass of information we receive daily
As a result, we can exclude things that don’t conform to establish ideas
Helps us fill in gaps where information is missing
This can result in the formation of stereotypes
What are theoretical and computer models used for?
To explain how we process information, e.g. multi store model of memory and working memory
The information for these models is based off experimental research and shows stages of mental processes
What are computer models used for?
Used as an analogy for the way, sensory info is encoded
Input via senses and combined with existing info
This is led to analogies, e.g. hard disk =long-term memory
What is input determines the output
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The study of brain structures involved in mental processes through mental imaging, technology, e.g. pet scans, and MRI scans
What does mental imaging technology show?
Shows which parts of the brain are associated with different circumstances and emotions
For example, Burnett (2009) suggested that areas in medial prefrontal, cortex are activated when we feel guilt
What is a strength of the cognitive approach in terms of real world application?
Has been applied in many other areas of psychology, such as social psychology, where research has helped psychologists better understand how we form impressions of others
Explains how much of dysfunctional behaviour in individuals can be traced back to faulty thinking processes
This has led to success in treating those with certain disorders such as OCD and depression using CBT (cognitive based therapy)
What is a strength of the cognitive approach in terms of it being a scientific approach?
The use of experimental methods allows for psychologist to collect and evaluate evidence to reach accurate conclusions about how the mind works
What is a limitation of the cognitive approach in terms of computer models as an analogy for the human mind?
There is an important difference between the sort of info processing that takes place in computers and the sort of info processing that takes place in the human mind.
Computers do not make mistakes or forget info that has been stored on a hard drive whereas humans do
What is a limitation of the cognitive approach in terms of it, ignoring the role of emotion and motivation?
Failed to tell us why cognitive processes take place.
Approaches that largely focus on motivational processes in behaviour ignore cognitive processes involved in behaviour.
Lack of focus on motivational Processes may be due to over dependency on analogies for information processing
Motivation is irrelevant to computers, but not to humans
What is a limitation of the cognitive approach in terms of ecological validity?
It has been argued that this approach lacks ecological validity.
Studies of cognitive psychology tend to use tasks that are not similar to an individuals every day behaviour/experiences
For example, memory tasks using artificial test materials that are meaningless and can’t be generalised to every day life
Fails to reflect behaviours that occur in natural situations
