The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What does the cognitive approach focus on?
Focuses on how our mental processes (e.g. thoughts, perceptions, attention) affect behaviour
What are internal mental processes?
‘Private’ operations of the mind that mediate between stimulus and response
What is a schema?
A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing - developed from experience.
What does schema help us to do?
Enable us to process lots of information quickly - prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
However, may distort interpretation of sensory information, leading to perceptual errors
What do psychologists use to help understand internal mental processes?
Theoretical and computer models
What are theoretical models?
- Models are simplified, usually pictorial
- Based on current research evidence
- Frequently updated, changed and refined
What are computer models?
Refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes - fMRI and PET scans help to understand more
