The cognitive approach

Question 1

What internal processes does the cognitive approach look at

Answer 1

Memory
Thinking
Attention
Perception

Question 2

what do cognitive psychologists use to understand IMP

Answer 2

theoretical and computer models

Question 3

what are theoretical models

Answer 3

diagrammatic representations of IMP eg multi-store model of memory

Question 4

Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models: good application

Answer 4

contributed signifcantly to development of AI
highlights usefulness of the theory

Question 5

Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models: flexible

Answer 5

soft determinism compared to hard determinism of behaviourist approach
it acknowledges existence of free will

Question 6

Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models: IMP example of machine reductionism

Answer 6

attempting to make direct comparisons between a computer and the human mind seems artificial and forced

human cognition is more complex and computers arent designed that way

computer analogy has only limited application to cognition

Question 7

what is machine reductionism

Answer 7

to reduce complex thought processes down to simple mechanical functions

Question 8

Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models: IMP can only be inferred

Answer 8

CA explanation of behaviour is overly abstract and detached from real-life
lacks external validity

Question 9

what are schemas

Answer 9

shortcuts that speed info processing and stop mind from being overwhelmed from enviro. stimulation.

Question 10

what do schemas do

Answer 10

able to predict possibilities
acts as mental framework

Question 11

what is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 11

studies the link between cognition and neural mechanisms, brain chemistry, and structure

Question 12

how did the CN begin

Answer 12

with 19th century with brocas area linking speech production

Question 13

how did New technologies like fMRI and PET help explain the neurological basis of mental processes

Answer 13

Maguire et al. (2000) used MRI to find that London taxi drivers had increased grey matter in the posterior hippocampi, linked to spatial navigation.

Raine et al. (1997) found that impulsive murderers under-use their pre-frontal cortex in decision-making, which may explain their unpremeditated crimes

Question 14

Evaluation of schemas & cognitive neuroscience bartlett study

Answer 14

Bartlett studied cultural schematic interference on memory.

He told male Cambridge students the “War of Ghosts,” a Native American folk tale with unfamiliar cultural elements.

Participants changed the story to fit their cultural schemas (e.g., “canoes” became “boats,” “paddling” became “rowing”) and omitted unfamiliar parts (e.g., no mention of ghosts).

Bartlett concluded that memory is influenced by cultural schemas, which fill in gaps and make assumptions about unfamiliar information.

Question 15

Evaluation of schemas & cognitive neuroscience: uses scientific methods

Answer 15

uses clinical and scientific methods to link brain function and cognition.
These methods ensure reliable research, allowing specific theories and hypotheses to be tested.

Question 16

Evaluation of schemas & cognitive neuroscience: difficulty defining schema

Answer 16

A schema is a mental framework, but its parameters are unclear and differ from person to person (e.g., one’s schema for “house” is unique based on personal experience).

Without a clear definition, schema theory lacks usefulness.

Question 17

Evaluation of schemas & cognitive neuroscience: brain imaging technologies are infallible

Answer 17

Bennet & Miller (2010) reviewed fMRI reliability and found several potential errors:

External factors (e.g., noise, light) can affect accuracy.

Researchers may introduce errors depending on equipment handling.

Participants’ cognitive states (e.g., attention, arousal) vary, influencing results.

This means the test-retest method may not always yield consistent results.