The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

1) information received from our
senses is processed by the brain and that this processing directs how we behave.
2) These internal mental processes cannot be observed directly but we can infer what a
person is thinking based on how they act.
3) How you think about the world is the world
4) we use schemas to help us think quickly
5) we can understand the mind by comparing it to a computer

Question 2

Theoretical and computer models

Answer 2

theoretical model:
computer models:
where the mind is compared to a computer by saying that there is similarity in the way info is processed. use the concept of a central processing unit, the concept of coding and the use of ‘stores’ to hold information.

Question 3

The emergence of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 3

Neuroscience aims to find out how the brain structures influence the way we process information and map mental cognitive functions to specific areas of the brain. This is done by using brain imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans.
Examples of brain mapping: Braver et al. (1997) found that when their participants were performing activities involving the central executive while being scanned the prefrontal cortex showed greater activity. This suggests that the central executive is situated in the prefrontal cortex.