The cognitive approach Flashcards
What is an assumption?
The mind works like a computer in that it has input from the senses, which is processed and then produces an output such as a specific behaviour.
What are the three features?
1) The study of internal mental processes
2) The use of theoretical and computer models
3) Schemas
Feature 1: Study of internal mental processes
The cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes can be studied scientifically by investigating thoughts, perception and memory. Cognitive psychologists argue that internal mental processes are private and can’t be observed directly so inferences are made about what’s going on in the mind based on our behaviour. Inferences is the process in which cognitive psychologists go beyond immediate evidence to draw logical assumptions about how internal mental processes drive behaviour based on observed behaviour but not directly inferred.
Feature 2: The use of theoretical and computer models
The computer and theoretical models are used to make inferences about our mental processes, thoughts and behaviours.
Cognitive psychologists argues that the mind functions like a computer. The information-processing model applies the idea of the human mind functioning like a computer .e. information enters the brain but how we respond depends on how we process the information. Input is when we receive information from the environment e.g. senses like sight, sound and smell. It is encoded. Information processing is how we interpret then store as a memory. The output the appropriate behaviour/emotion performed. For example the cognitive explanation of depression the Ellis’ ABC model. A being the activating event (input) like the loss of a job, B being irrational beliefs (processing) and C being the consequence (output) such as depression.
Theoretical models can be used to provide testable theories about mental processing which can be studied scientifically and inferences made. Cognitive psychologists take a behaviour and look at the processes that happen behind the scenes and put these in a series of steps. For example the multi store model of memory suggests memory has separate unitary stores each with different coding, capacity and duration where information flows in a linear way.
Feature 3: The role of schemas
Schemas are a form of internal mental processes. They are mental representations e.g. the internal working model. They are formed from our unique knowledge and experience. They are held in our long term memory and include beliefs such as stereotypes. Schemas can change through our life and become more detailed through experiences. Schemas are beneficial as they help us make quick decisions and are metal shortcuts to prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by information from our environment, Schemas aren’t beneficial as they can cause bias recall and we may recall what we expect to see rather than what actually happened.
What are the four evaluations?
1) soft determinism
2) Scientific methods
3) Practical applications
4) Machine reductionism
AO3: Soft determinism
A strength of the cognitive approach to explaining human behaviour is that it is a form of soft determinism. The approach suggests behaviour is due to internal factors (internal mental processes) however individuals have some choice over their behaviour unlike the biological approach where they have no choice. This is beneficial as individuals feel like they have more control over their behaviour for example those suffering with depression feel as if its possible to alter fault thought processes. This makes the cognitive approach a more positive and appropriate approach to explain human behaviour.
AO3: Scientific methods
The cognitive approach uses scientific methods so it uses scientific enquiry to investigate human behaviour. This approach used lab experiments and brain scan techniques to investigate internal mental process and process so it has high control over extraneous variable. therefore cause and effect can be established between internal mental processes and behaviour. therefore it could be argued this increases the internal validity so raising Psychology’s Scientific status.
AO3: Practical applications
The cognitive approach of explaining human behaviour can be praised for having practical applications. This is because the principles of the theory that behaviour is caused by internal mental process has led to the treatment of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This has been affective in treating disorders such as depression where individuals are helped to dispute their irrational thoughts and negative schemas. Therefore the cognitive approach to explaining human behaviour is an import part of applied psychology as it helps to treat people in the real world.
AO3: Machine reductionism
A limitation of the cognitive approach to explaining human behaviour is that it has machine reductionism. The approach reduces complex human behaviour of internal mental processes into simple basic units of the mind functioning like a machine for example a computer, input, process and an output. Machine reductionism ignores the influence of holism and human emotions on internal mental processes such as memory and anxiety in eyewitness testimony. This weakens the cognitive approach when explaining human behaviour as it doesn’t allow us to understand behaviour in context.
