The Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are schemas?
A mental framework (shortcut) of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing.
They are developed from experience
What is the computer analogy?
The mind is compared to a computer
It suggests that there are similarities in the way that the information is processed
What is cognitive neuroscience?
A combination of cognitive psychology, cognitive science and neuroscience
What is the aim of cognitive neuroscience?
To create a biological basis to thought processes and how neurones explain the processes
Two strengths of the cognitive approach
It focuses on thought processes –> it is widely accepted
It uses experimental methods to research, it is scientific –> it is valid, standardised and controlled
Three limitations of the cognitive approach
Emotions and motivation have been ignored because it doesn’t focus on why thought processes and behaviours happen –> emotions strongly influence our behaviour
The comparison of people to computers is criticised seeing people lacking free will –> it doesn’t give a complex explanation to behaviour and ignores the influence of emotions
Laboratory experiments lack validity because the thought processes could be artificial due to the task performed –> humans behave differently in real life depending on surroundings
What is the cognitive approach?
The study of internal mental processes
Such as memory, perception and thinking
