THE COGNITIVE APPROACH

Question 1

Cognitive approach

Answer 1

unlike behavioural approach, cognitive approach looks at the internal workings of the mind and explains behaviours through cognitive processes.

Question 2

how does this approach explains behaviour

Answer 2

• by looking at perception, langauage , attention and memmory.

Question 3

computer models and cognitive approach

Answer 3

computer models are used to explain how we think and behave. humans are treated as information processors and behaviour is explained in terms of information processing.

Question 4

three main research methods used in cognitive approach

Answer 4

laboratory experiments, natural experiments and field experiments.

Question 5

laboratory experiments

Answer 5

• controlled study and has a good control over variables - very scientific and reliable - however low ecological validity.

Question 6

natural experiments

Answer 6

• naturally occuring conditions - so have a high ecological validity but low reliability as uncontrolled variables can affect the results.

Question 7

field experiments

Answer 7

• takes place in a natural situation so good ecological validity but less control of other variables/

Question 8

principles of cognitive approach

Answer 8

• our mental systems have a limited capacity.
• a control mechanism oversees all mental processes.
• there is a two way flow information.

Question 9

theoretical models

Answer 9

• these are diagrams representing the steps involved in the mental processes like the flow chart models.
• theoretical model can be seen in memory where the researchers have divided memory into ltm and stm based on primacy and recency effects which has lead to theoretical model like the multi store model.

Question 10

computer models

Answer 10

• brain is descirbed as aprocessor, which has data input into it and output from it.
• some parts of the brain forms networks.
• some parts of brain can work sequentially.
• computer and human system follows the same route.

Question 11

human system

Answer 11

information coming in from the world through sense organs—– ( signals passed through neurons) – brain–( signals passed through neurons ) — information passed back out for action.

Question 12

slight differences between human and computer models

Answer 12

• humans are often influenced by emotional and motivational factors.
• humans have an unlimited and unreliable memory whereas computers have a limited reliable memory.
• humans have free will unlike computers.

Question 13

schemas

Answer 13

a mental framework we have of what we already know abd believe about the world around us.
- schemas help to organise and interpret information and experiences.

Question 14

consistent and inconsistent schemas

Answer 14

• when inf is consistent, it is assimiliated into the schema and the schema is strengthened.
• when inf is inconsistent, accomodation occurs abd schemas has to change inorder to resolve the problem.

Question 15

types of schemas

Answer 15

1. role schemas - ideas about what behaviour is expected from someone in acertain role.
2. event schemas - also called scripts, information about ehat happens in a situation.
3. self schemas - information about ourselves based on physical characteristics.

Question 16

problems with schemas

Answer 16

like stereotypes and alter mental processing of information
- role of schemas in eyewitness testimony can be negative.

Question 17

Barlett (1932) investigated schemas

Answer 17

WAR OF THE GHOSTS
- english participnats asked to read a native american folk story called war of the ghosts, which was an unfamiliar story, full of strange names ideas and objects. participants were asked to recall the story after different length of times.
- as a result, all the participants changed the story to fit their own schemas, details became more english, details and other emotions were added. as the time between hearing and recalling information increased, amt of information remembered became a lot less.

Question 18

conclusion of barletts study

Answer 18

• people use their own schemas to interpret and remember the world around them.
• cognitive processes such as schemas influences the accuracy of a memory recall.

Question 19

evaluation of barletts study

Answer 19

• lab controlled activity, so good control over variables.
• Loftus and Palmer (1974) found that leading questions influenced the accuracy of memory recall. Loftus and Palmer (1974) support Bartlett’s theory that cognitive processes mediate memory recall processes. Both studies suggest that cognitive processes such as perception or schemas influence the accuracy of memory recall.
• lacks temporal validity.
• cannot be generalised to the representative population.

Question 20

emergence of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 20

cognitive neuroscience focuses on the understanding of how a brain enables a mind to function.
- explores relationship between brains structure, functions and mental processes like perception, decison - making, language and memory.
- one key development in cognitive neuroscience is the use of advanced brain imaging techniques like fmri and pet scans which has allowed researches to link specific functions to specific parts of brain.
- provides a deeper understanding on how the brain processes the information and gives arise to behavipur and mental processes.

Question 21

evaluation of cognitive approach

Answer 21

strengths
- scientific methodolgy, cognitive psychologists use rigorous scientifc methods such as experiments and observations which increases reliability and validity of their findings.
- another strength is the practical application of cognitive approach - research has lead to development of effe ctive cognitive behavioural therapies.
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