The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
An assumption of the cognitive approach
It it our mental health processes that affect our behaviour e.g our thoughts memories and perceptions and these should be studies scientifically (lab experiment) allowing inferences to be made
Feature 1 study of internal mental processes
Mental processes can be studied scientifically by investigating memmory perception and thinking
Mental processes are private cannot be studied
so are studied indirectly making inferences what is going on inside the mind based on individuals behaviour
Inferences
Process where cognitive psychologists go beyond immediate evidence to draw logical assumptions about how internal mental processes drive our behaviour
Based on observed behaviour , but not directly inferred
Feature 2 use of theoretical and computer models
Mind functions like a computer
Information processing model applies the idea of human mind functioning like a computer
E.g information may enter brain but how we respond depends upon how we process information
Model is 3 stage process which explains behaviour
What is the 3 stage process which explain behaviour ?
Input
Recieve information via senses
Sight, sound, smell
Information processing
Information processed
Stored as memmory
Output
Appropriate behaviour performed
Or retrieval of information occurs
What can models be used for?
Provide testable theories about mental processing and these can be studied scientifically and inferences made
What do cognitive psychologist do with behaviour ?
Take a behaviour look at process that happen BTS they describe this process in series of steps
What is one important theoretical model ?
MSM
Feature 3 role of schemas
Schemas are a form of internal mental processes
They are mental representations (collection of ideas)
That are created through unique knowledge and experience
Held in our LTM can include beliefs such as stereotypes
Schemas can change overtime and become more detailed through experience
Why schemas are beneficial
Help us make quick decisions
Prevents us from being overwhelmed by information from environment
Why schemas are not beneficial
Caused biased recall/EWT as we may recall what we expect to see based on our schema
Rather than what we have actually witnessed
Cognitive approach Ao3
Cognitive explanation is a form of soft determinism
Sees human behaviour being caused by internal factors (internal mental processes)
Would suggest individuals have some choice over behaviour
Could be beneficial as individuals may feel more in control and possible to alter any faulty thought processes
E.g those suffering with depression
Making cognitive explanation of human behaviour a more appropriate and positive approach
Cognitive approach Ao3 strength
Uses scientific methods so uses scientific enquiry to investigate human behaviour
Based on objective and empirical techniques such as brain scan techniques and lab experiments
to investigate internal mental processes and inferences
Which have high level of control over extraneous variables
Allows us to establish cause and effect between internal mental processes and behaviour
Argued increase overall internal validity ea
Raising psychology’s scientific status
Cognitive approach Ao3 strength
Practical applications
Principles of the theory behaviour is caused by internal mental processes has lead to CBT
This is effective in helping treat disorders such as depression
Helping individuals dispute their irrational thoughts and negative schemas
Thus cognitive explanation of human behaviour is an important part of applied psychology as it helps to treat people in the real world
