The cognitive approach Flashcards
what is the cognitive approach
The cognitive approach focuses on how our internal mental processes (e.g. thoughts, perceptions, attention) affect behaviour.
how is the cognitive approach different
The cognitive approach is a direct contrast to the behaviourist approach as the cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes can be studied scientifically. Cognitive psychologists study internal processes by making inferences about what is going on inside people’s minds on the basis of their behaviour.
the role of schema
Cognitive processes are often affected by schemas. Schemas enable us to process lot of information quickly and prevents us being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. However, schema may also distort our interpretation of sensory information leading to perceptual errors.
what is a schema
A schema is a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. Schemas are developed from experience. As we get older, our schema becomes more detailed and sophisticated.
when are theoretical and computer models used
Cognitive psychologists use theoretical and computer models to help them understand internal mental processes.
theoretical models
visual representations of internal mental processes that are used to help researches simplify and study complex behaviours. Theoretical models are typically flowcharts or diagrams that show how information is passed between the different systems that manipulate it. For example, the multi-store model is a theoretical model of memory.
computer models
development of the computer in the 1960s led to computer models emerging to explain different mental processes. For example, the analogy of long term memory being the hard disk has been applied to the human brain.
the emergence of cognitive neuroscience
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the biological structures that underpin cognitive processes. In the last 25 years scientists have been able to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes due to fMRI and PET scans. Scanning techniques are also useful in establishing the neurological basis of some mental disorders. One possible future application of the development in mind mapping techniques is to analyse the brain waves of eyewitnesses to determine whether they’re lying in court.
evaluation of the cognitive approach (brief)
strength - objective methods HOWEVER, lacks external validity
strength - practical application
weakness - based on machine reductionism
strengths of cognitive approach
the cognitive approach uses objective, scientific methods. Cognitive psychologists have highly controlled methods of study so researchers are able to infer cognitive processes at work through the use of lab studies to produce reliable, objective data. Therefore, this means the study of the mind has a credible scientific basis. HOWEVER, due to cognitive psychology relying on the inference of mental processes, rather than direct observation, it can suffer from being too abstract and theoretical in nature. Additionally, research studies on mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli that may not represent everyday experience. This suggests research on cognitive processes may lack external validity.
the cognitive approach has practical application. The cognitive approach has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical concepts. For example, cognitive psychology has made an important contribution in the field of AI. Cognitive principles have also been applied to the treatment of depression and has improved the reliability of eyewitness testimony’s. Therefore, this supports the value of the cognitive approach.
weakness of cognitive approach
the cognitive approach is based on machine reductionism. There are similarities between the human mind and the operations of a ‘thinking machine’. However the computer analogy has been criticised. Such machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how this may impact our ability to process information. For example, research has shown the influence of anxiety on eyewitnesses. Therefore, machine reductionism may weaken the validity of the cognitive approach.
