The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What is schema?

Answer 1

A cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain. Schema help an individual to make sense of new information

Question 2

What is a theoretical model?

Answer 2

In cognitive psychology models are simplified usually pictorial representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence

Question 3

What is a computer model?

Answer 3

Refers to the the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition

Question 4

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 4

An area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions

Question 5

What is inference/inferring?

Answer 5

Inferring means to reach a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 6

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 6

1. The cognitive approach has useful applications for example explains OCD
2. The cognitive approach is scientific and uses scans to understand the brain rather than introspection

Question 7

What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 7

1. The computers do not work in the same way as human minds such as forgetting and therefore do not give an accurate perception
2. Although it shows what happens it does not explain why- emotion and motivation are ignored by this approach
3. Lacks ecological validity

Question 8

What is cognitive?

Answer 8

Relates to mental processes such as perception memory and reasoning