Topic 2: Cognitive Flashcards
Define the term memory.
The capacity to retain and retrieve information.
Give 4 key assumptions of cognitive psychology.
- Thoughts influence behaviour.
- Humans are information processors.
- The mind operates in a similar way to a computer.
- Internal mental processes can and should be investigated scientifically.
Explain what is meant by declarative memory.
Memory of facts and events (“knowing what”).
Explain what is meant by procedural memory or non-declarative memory.
The unconscious memory of skills and how to do things.
(“knowing how”).
Describe the case of H.M.
Case study of H.M.
H.M. was born in 1926.
At age 7, he was knocked down by a bicycle and began to have epilepitc sueiqures which worsened over time. He then had a lobotomy to correct it but his memory was impaired as result.
Give the aim of the case study of H.M.
Case study of H.M.
To find out the effects of H.M’s brain surgery (removal of 2/3 of hippocampus) on his functioning in particular memory.
What type of surgery did William Scoville perform on H.M. and why?
Case study of H.M.
Experimental brain surgery removing the medial temporal lobe and the hippocampus as he thought it would stop the seizures.
What was the result of H.M’s operation (lobotomy
Case study of H.M.
H.M. suffered from anterograde and retrograde amnesia, and was not able to create new memories.
What does H.M. case study provide evidence for?
Case study of H.M.
Explain why the case study of H.M. has low generalisabilty?
Case study of H.M.
- Done on one participant (H.M.) who was highly unique. He had epiliepsy so his brain structure may have been different to a typical brain.
- Therefore, the findings about memory may not generalise to a target population.
Explain why the case study of H.M. has low reliability?
Case study of H.M.
- This case study cannot be replicated as H.M. was studied over a long period of time (51 years).
- Much of the data gathered was qualitative, from observations and interviews.
What are the applications of the case study of H.M?
Case study of H.M.
- One of the first studies to show that there are distinct memory functions —> good springboard for future research.
- Allows us to understand how memory is localised in the brain —> can help psychologists to develop starteigies to help people with memory loss/ brain injury.
Explain the validity of the case study of H.M.
Case study of H.M.
- High validity as H.M was studied through a variety of methods therefore, giving a rich, detailed understanding of his memory issues.
- Low validity as because it is a case study there is no control of extraneous variables.
- Low ecological validity concerning studies done in hospital and those involving artificial taks but high eco validity due to studies done at home as the environment is familiar.
Describe why the case study of H.M. is unethical.
Case study of H.M.
- H.M. didn’t have functioning memory so could not give informed consent for any of the tests performed on him.
- He never gave permission for his brain being preserved, nor were any of his closest relatives approached.
Describe the qualitative process/ the steps used in the qualitative process.
- A research question is created.
- Data is collected in the form of interviews, questionnaires, speech analysis etc.
- Data is transcribed/ written up.
- Look for themes and ideas.
- Reach conclusions based on themes and answer research question.
- Explain and justify conclusion using evidence from analysis.
