The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What does the cognitive approach argue?

Answer 1

That all human behaviour can be explained in terms of internal mental processes.

Question 2

What are some examples of internal mental processes?

Answer 2

• Memory.
• Attention.
• Perception.
• Thinking.

Question 3

Cognitive processes are ‘_______’ and cannot be ________.

Answer 3

• Private.

- Observed.

Question 4

How do cognitive psychologists study these internal processes?

Answer 4

They study them indirectly by making inferences about what is going on inside someone’s mind on the basis of their behaviour.

Question 5

What are the three main parts within the cognitive approach?

Answer 5

• The use of Theoretical and Computer Models.
• The Role of Schema.
• The Emergence of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Question 6

What can psychologists use to study internal mental processes?

Answer 6

Theoretical models.

Question 7

What is an example of an important theoretical model?

Answer 7

The information processing approach.

Question 8

What does the information processing approach suggest?

Answer 8

That information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages (input, storage, and retrieval).

Question 9

What is an example of an information processing approach?

Answer 9

The Multi-Store Model.

Question 10

What is the second type of model the cognitive approach uses?

Answer 10

Computer models.

Question 11

What is the computer model?

Answer 11

The mind is compared to a computer (computer analogy).

Include concepts of a central processing unit, coding, and ‘stores’ to hold information.

Question 12

What is schema?

Answer 12

They are mental frameworks (packages) of ideas and expectations developed through experience.

Question 13

What is the role of schema?

Answer 13

They aid the interpretation of incoming information by allowing us to process information more effectively.

Question 14

What is an example of a schema?

Answer 14

A chair - something with legs that we can sit on - that helps us respond to the object effectively.

Question 15

What is the most recent area of study for cognitive psychologists?

Answer 15

Cognitive neuroscience.

Question 16

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 16

This is the scientific study of the biological structures and functions that underpin cognitive processes.

Question 17

What are two examples of brain imaging techniques that have allowed scientists to systematically observe the neurological basis for mental processes?

Answer 17

• fMRI scans.

- PET scans.

Question 18

What are the six evaluation points for the cognitive approach?

Answer 18

\+ Scientific.
- Inference can be mistaken.
\+ Practical applications.
- Evidence lacks ecological validity.
- Reductionist.
\+ Less determinist than other approaches.