The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What is cognitive psychology?

Answer 1

how people perceive, store & interpret information by studying processes like memory, thinking & problem solving.

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

1. Thought processes can be & should be studied scientifically therefore introspection is too unscientific
2. The mind works like a computer since it inputs our senses, processes & produces an output like certain behaviours
3. Stimulus & response are appropriate only when thought processes are acknowledged

Question 3

What is the information-processing model?

Answer 3

an important theoretical model that suggests info flows through the cognitive system through several stages including input, storage & retrieval

Question 4

What is a schema?

Answer 4

• ‘packages’ of ideas & info developed from experience that act as a mental framework for interpreting incoming info.
• they get more detailed & sophisticated as we get older

Question 5

How are schemas useful?

Answer 5

allows us to process a lot of info quickly - acts like a mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed

Question 6

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 6

the scientific study of how the structures of the brain influence mental processes by mapping brain areas to specify cognitive functions

Question 7

What are fMRI & PET scans used for?

Answer 7

to systematically observe & describe the neurological basis of mental processes

Question 8

Evaluation: Scientific & objective methods

Answer 8

• cognitive approach uses highly controlled methods of study (lab experiments) so cognitive processes can be inferred
• produces reliable data
• cognitive neuroscience brings biology & cognitive psychology together
• study of the mind has a credible scientific basis

Question 9

Evaluation: Machine reductionism

Answer 9

• computer analogy of the mind has been criticised by many since it ignores influence of human emotion & motivation on cognitive system and how it affects our ability to process info
• e.g. research has found memory may be affected by emotional factors like anxiety

Question 10

Evaluation: Application to everyday life

Answer 10

• mental processes can only be inferred from behaviour observed making cognitive psychology often too abstract & theoretical
• experimental studies of mental processes are carried out using artificial stimuli that isn’t like everyday life
• research on cognitive processes may lack external validity

Question 11

Evaluation: Real-life application

Answer 11

• cognitive approach quite dominant approach in psychology
• made an important contribution to AI

Question 12

Evaluation: Less deterministic than other approaches

Answer 12

cognitive approach recognises it can only operate within the of what limits we know but we’re also free to think before responding to stimulus