The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What is the cognitive approach?
-argues that unobservable mental processes can be studied scientifically.
What do cognitive psychologists believe in?
-they accept that mental process are the private operations of the mind that cannot be observed directly.
-they therefore study mental processes indirectly
-they make inferences about what is going on in peoples mind on the basis of their observable behaviour.
What are Theoretical Models?
-Simplified representations of mental processes based upon research evidence.
What is the Multi-Store model of memory?
-Environmental stimulus –> Sensory register —{attention}–>Short Term Memory —retrieval—><–maintenance rehearsal— Long Term Memory
What is the use of the Computer Model?
-The cognitive approach suggests that the mind works in a similar way to a computer. This is called the computer analogy.
-The computer analogy states that both the mind and computer : receive information in the form of an input, code information, process and store information and give an input.
What is the role of schema?
- packages of information and ideas that are developed through experience.
-they act as a framework for the interpretation of incoming information
-they therefore affect our behavior.
Why are schemas useful?
-enable us to take shortcuts in our thinking and process a huge amount of information quickly.
-they can prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
What is the con of schemas?
-Can cause us to exclude information and focus on things that confirm our pre-existing beliefs and ideas = therefore lead to errors.
What is cognitive neuroscience?
-the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes.
