The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What does the cognitive approach study?
Internal mental processes and the role of schema
It also includes the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes.
What is the significance of the order of letters in a word according to research at Cambridge University?
The first and last letters must be in the right place; the rest can be a total mess
This illustrates that the human mind reads words as whole units rather than letter by letter.
What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?
- Internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically
- Internal mental processes are private and cannot be studied directly, so inferences need to be made.
When did the cognitive movement begin?
In the late 1950s
The movement emphasized the importance of thought in explaining human behavior.
What do schemas represent?
Mental representations of concepts
They include knowledge, beliefs, and expectations about concepts in our world.
How are schemas formed?
Through experiences and interactions with our environment.
Why are schemas useful?
They help us organize the world and direct our behavior.
What is a potential downside of schemas?
They can lead to faulty conclusions and distorted views of situations.
What do theoretical models of cognitive processes identify?
The likely stages of information processing between stimulus and response.
What format do theoretical models often display information processing stages?
In a sequence-like format, such as the Multi-store Model of Memory.
True or False: The cognitive approach accepts behaviorist views that humans are just a product of stimulus and response.
False
The cognitive approach rejects this view and focuses on the mental processes in between.
Fill in the blank: Schemas are _______ to each individual as they result from personal experiences.
unique
What is the cognitive approach’s view on the study of mental processes?
They should be studied scientifically.
What is a ‘mental shortcut’ in the context of schemas?
A method that allows quick engagement with a situation without being overwhelmed by sensory information.
What does the ‘computer analogy’ suggest about human cognition?
Computers process information in a series of steps similar to the human mind.
What role does the Central Processing Unit (CPU) play in the computer analogy of cognition?
It codes and processes information into a usable format.
In the cognitive approach, what is the first step in processing information?
Input from the environment through senses.
What does Roo do after encoding the information about the old lady?
He makes a decision that the old lady needs help.
What is the output in the cognitive processing model?
The behavioral response emitted following processing.
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The study of the underlying biological processes and structures that influence internal mental processes.
What significant area of the brain was identified in the 1860s related to cognitive neuroscience?
Broca’s area.
How have advances in technology impacted cognitive neuroscience?
They have enabled mapping of the brain and inferences about activation linked to specific mental processes.
What was the focus of Maguire et al’s (2000) research?
The brains of London taxi drivers.
What is ‘The Knowledge’ test that London taxi drivers must complete?
A test involving learning all the streets and landmarks in London.
What structural difference was found in the brains of taxi drivers compared to controls?
Significantly larger grey matter in the left and right posterior hippocampus.
What correlation was found in the research on taxi drivers?
Between the amount of time spent as a taxi driver and the volume in the right posterior hippocampus.
What recent advancements have been made in cognitive neuroscience research?
Use of computer-generated models for brain reading, leading to brain mapping and ‘brain fingerprinting.’
What is a strength of the Cognitive approach?(links to practical application)
It has identified and described many internal mental processes.
What practical application has the Cognitive approach had?
The practical application in fields of Treatment of psychological disorders like Depression.
CBT focuses on challenging the faulty cognitions associated with depression, such as negative schemas
What is a strength of the cognitive approach in regard to determinism?
P-less deterministic than some other approaches, such as the biological or behaviourist approach
E-Allows the individual to think about how they wish to respond
E-Allows for a degree of free will in our behaviour
What is a weakness of the cognitive approach in regard to artificiality?
P- much of the research is conducted in highly artificial and controlled settings, using artificial stimuli
E-Baddeley’s research into coding in the STM and the LTM
E-questions whether the mental processing which occurs in response to these artificial stimuli is truly representative of how we process everyday information.
L-Research may lack external validity
What is a weakness of the cognitive approach in regard to simplicity?
P-The computer analogy is too simplistic
E-machine reductionism often means that the role of emotion and how it influences our thoughts is overlooked
E-Therefore, this is a crucial difference between humans and machines.
