The Cognitive Area

Question 1

What is the definition of schema

Answer 1

A ‘package’ of knowledge, beliefs and expectations on a topic that come from prior experience
Schema affect behaviour

Question 2

What is the schema theory

Answer 2

• memory is influenced by what an individual already knows. We use out past experience to help deal with a new experience.
  This is a fundamental feature of the way the human mind works
• knowledge is stored in memory as a set of schemas - simplified, generalised mental representations based on our past experiences

Question 3

How is schema useful

Answer 3

They are useful by helping us to take shortcuts in thinking
We are born with basic ones then they develop and are updated from experience
But they can lead to faulty conclusions and unhelpful behaviour

Question 4

How do the models help us understand the brain

Answer 4

These models help us to explain human behaviour

They also help us to make inferences about mental processes

Question 5

Explain the information processing model (input/processing/ output)

Answer 5

Input- from the environment via the senses
Processing- info is encoded and processed eg using schema
Output- observable behaviour

Question 6

What are the strengths of cognitive approach ?

Answer 6

Scientific(control, reliable, collect and evaluate evidence, objective)

Applications( treatments for mental illness, reducing accidents, economic implications)

Question 7

What are weaknesses of cognitive approach

Answer 7

Machine reductionist( ignores emotion, motivation)

Determinist( assumes no free will)