The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• Argue internal mental processes can be studied in a scientific way however this is reductionist.
• Use scientific methods such as lab experiments and brain scans to study the mind.
• Believe in nature and nurture. We are born with the ability to have memory, perception and thought then these are shaped by experience.

Question 2

What are internal mental processes?

Answer 2

Private operations of the mind e.g., perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.

Question 3

What is used to study internal mental processes? Why?

Answer 3

Inferences are used to study IMP. We cannot directly observe how the mind works so we have to do it indirectly.

Question 4

What is an inference?

Answer 4

An assumption about how our mind is processing information on the basis of behaviour.

Question 5

How do cognitive psychologists believe information flows through our minds?

Answer 5

In a systematic way via a sequence of stages. This approach compares the mind to a computer.

Question 6

What are the stages that information flows in? What do these stages mean?

Answer 6

1. Input= information comes from senses
2. Storage= information is stored and processed in the mind.
3. Retrieval= information is retrieved from our mind and can affect how we behave.

Similar to the multi-store model.

Question 7

State 3 similarities between the mind and a computer:

Answer 7

• Both take data from the outside and code it
• Both can transform data into something else.
• Both store data

Question 8

State three differences between the mind and a computer:

Answer 8

• Computers are not affected by emotions.
• Computers always pay attention whereas humans get distracted
• Computers receive info through mouse/keyboard but humans get it
  through senses.

Question 9

What is a schema?

Answer 9

A package of knowledge, ideas and information that has developed over time and acts as a mental framework.

Question 10

Why are schemes good when interpreting information?

Answer 10

Helps us process a lot of information quickly and reduce the chance of being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.

Question 11

What are the three types of schemas? What do they all mean?

Answer 11

Self-Schema = Beliefs about yourself
Role-Schema = Beliefs about jobs/ roles people hold in society
Event-Schema = Belief that scenarios will always go the same way

Question 12

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 12

Scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes. Also mapping brain areas to specific cognitive functions.

Question 13

What have advances in brain imaging techniques allowed scientists to do?

Answer 13

Scans such as the IMRI and PET scans means scientists can systematically describe neurological basis of mental processes and the overall system in charge (WMM)

Question 14

What has the focus on cognitive neuroscience now expanded to include?

Answer 14

The use of computer-generated models deigned to read the brain. One example is that this has led to the development of ‘brain-fingerprinting’.

Question 15

Describe one application of cognitive neuroscience.

Answer 15

OCD- Scanning techniques have proven useful in establishing the neurological basis of some mental disorders. The link between the parahippocampul gyrus and OCD is discussed as it appears to play a role in the unpleasant emotions.

Question 16

Positive evaluation point for the cognitive approach- scientific and objective?

Answer 16

Point- This approach uses scientific and objective methods such as lab experiments and brain scans.
Explain- The development of cognitive neuroscience and the investigation of anorexia, OCD and aggression all use these.
Link- This means that the study of the way the human mind works now has a credible scientific basis.

Question 17

Negative evaluation point for the cognitive approach-Issues with methodology?

Answer 17

Point- There are some issues with some aspects of the methodology of research in this area.
Explain- Often only inferences are made about mental processes so there is so cause and effect established. The procedures are also artificial and do not represent everyday experiences.
Link- This means the research may lack external validity and does now show how cognitive processed work in the real world.

Question 18

Positive evaluation point for the cognitive approach- Practical applications?

Answer 18

Point- The cognitive approach has many practical applications to society, especially in the area of mental health.
Explain- It has done research into and can help with a number of mental health issues such as OCD and depression.
Link- Once we are aware of the possible reasons for mental health issues, we are able to develop treatments which benefit the patient, wider society and the economy.

Question 19

Evaluation of the cognitive approach- machine reductionism.

Answer 19

Although there are some similarities between the brain and a computer (inputs and outputs, storage systems, etc) it has been criticised. This approach ignores human emotion and motivation and how this may affect our ability to process information. For instance, human memory can be affected by emotions, such as eyewitness testimony and anxiety.

Question 20

Evaluation of the cognitive approach- Scientific and objective measures.

Answer 20

Uses highly controlled and rigorous methods of study in order to make inferences about cognitive processes. Lab studies- objective and reliable data. Also, cognitive neuroscience allows biology and cognitive psychology to come together. Study of the mind can be done on a credible scientific basis.