The Cognitive Explanation to Schizophrenia

Question 1

What is meant by dysfunctional thought processing?

Answer 1

Information processing that doesn’t represent reality accurately and produces negative consequences.

Question 2

What are the 2 dysfunctional thought functions?

Answer 2

Central control and meta representation

Question 3

What is meant by central control?

Answer 3

Refers to the ability to suppress automatic responses while we perform deliberate actions instead.

Question 4

What is wrong with schizophrenics central control?

Answer 4

Experience sensory overload and so cannot suppress ability to say or do something random.

Question 5

What is meant by meta representation?

Answer 5

Refers to the ability to reflect on thoughts and behaviours - it allows us to interpret actions of others.

Question 6

Explain meta representation in the mind of schizophrenics?

Answer 6

• Cannot recognise their own thoughts and behaviours - can explain why they think their thoughts are being projected into their minds.

Question 7

Give one strength of the cognitive explanation of SZ.

Answer 7

1. Research support.
   Stiring et al: found SZ patients 2x longer than control group on stroop test.
   Shows cognitive dysfunction in SZ patients.

Question 8

Give 2 weaknesses of the cognitive explanation of SZ.

Answer 8

1. Correlation not causation.
   Unclear whether dysfunctional thought processing e.g central control causes SZ or is a result of it.
   Shows other factors may be involved.
   Therefore, requires more research to show cause of SZ.
2. Alternative explanations.
   Interactionist approach: internal + external factors.
   Shows cognitive impairment cannot be only exp of SZ.
   Therefore, may be better to combine exps.