the cognitive approach - AO3

Question 1

Research on cognitive processes lack external validity

Answer 1

• Cognitive psychologists are only able to infer mental processes from the behaviour they observe in their research
• As a result, the approach suffers from being too abstract and theoretical in nature
• Also, research is often carried out using artificial stimuli, such as recall of word lists in studies of memory which may not represent everyday life

Question 2

It is based on machine reductionism

Answer 2

• The computer analogy has been criticised for machine
  reductionism
• it ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, and how this may affect our ability to process information
• For instance, research has found that human memory may be affected by emotional factors e.g. memory
• Therefore, the cognitive approach oversimplifies human cognitive processing

Question 3

It is less determinist than other approaches

Answer 3

• The cognitive approach is based on soft determinism, recognising that our cognitive system can only operate within certain limits - we are free to think before responding to a stimulus
• It takes a more reasonable and flexible middle-ground in the free will-determinism debate

Question 4

Other applications

Answer 4

• The study of memory has led to the increased accuracy of eyewitness testimony
• Helped us understand the causes of depression and the approach proposes a therapy (CBT)
• CBT is effective for a range of disorders

Question 5

It has applications to everyday life

Answer 5

• The approach has made an important contribution to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of robots
• These advances are likely to revolutionise how we live in the future

Question 6

It uses scientific and objective methods and counterbalance

Answer 6

• Cognitive psychologists have used controlled and rigorous methods of study e.g. lab studies - these are replicable
• This means that the study of the mind has established a credible, scientific basis
  Cb: cognitive relies on the inference of mental processes rather than direct observant behaviour = can suffer from being too abstract and theoretical = artificial stimuli e.g. memory experiments

Question 7

It has applications to everyday life

Answer 7

• The approach has made an important contribution to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of robots
• These advances are likely to revolutionise how we live in the future