Approaches-cognitive approach

Question 1

what does the cognitive approach argue about mental process

Answer 1

the cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes should be studied scientifically through observable behaviour

Question 2

how does the mind process information

Answer 2

the mind actively processes information from our senses

Question 3

what can humans be seen as

Answer 3

humans can be seen as data processing machines

Question 4

how are humans and computers similar

Answer 4

As stimuli are like inputs which the mind processes and behaviour is like an output

Question 5

what is cognitive neuroscience and how has it evolved

Answer 5

studying the influence of brain structure on mental processes
its developed through advances in brain imaging techniques eg-Fmri scans

Question 6

what are schemas

Answer 6

schemas are an example of top-down information
they are mental frameworks used to organise past experiences and to interpret and respond to new information

Question 7

why are schemes an example of “top-down information”

Answer 7

they provide us with expectations of what will happen rather than having us process every single detail all the time

Question 8

how do schemas allow us to make sense of ambiguous situations

Answer 8

schemas allow us to make sense of ambiguous situations by “filling in gaps” in our knowledge

Question 9

what happens to our schemas overtime

Answer 9

as we age they become more sophisticated to cover more situations

Question 10

how do we process information in cognitive psychology

Answer 10

input, process then output

Question 11

nmonic for information processiing

Answer 11

Perception-processing stimuli in the environment

Attention-selecting which stimulus to focus on

Memory-storing information in the mind

Question 12

do mental processes occur in sequence or in parallel

Answer 12

Mental processes occurring in sequence means that each mental process happens one after the other, for example perceiving an environment, then paying attention to it, then making a decision and then undertaking a behaviour.

Mental processes occurring in parallel means when mental processes happen at the same time, for example seeing and hearing something at the same time.

Question 13

what does inferring mean

Answer 13

drawing conclusions about the way mental processes operate based on observale behaviour

Question 14

how does the cognitive approach study behavior

Answer 14

it goes beyond immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed so must be studied indirectly by inferring what goes on because of observable behavior

Question 15

what are theoretical models

Answer 15

visual representations that are based on current research evidence
they help researchers simplify and study complex behaviors

Question 16

what do theoretical models create which try explain behavior

Answer 16

models eg-diagrams or flowcharts which shows how information is passed between stores and the different systems that manipulate it

Question 17

why are diagrams and flowcharts in theoretical models good

Answer 17

as certain stages can be tested individually
-if the data from the experiment does not fit the model it can be adjusted-falsifiability

Question 18

what do computer models allow mental processes to be thought of as

Answer 18

inputting-> processing/ storing -> output
As stimuli are like inputs which the mind processes and behaviour is like an output

Question 19

what is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 19

cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of neurological structures, mechanisms and chemistry

Question 20

what do neuroscientists argue these neurological structures are responsible for

Answer 20

neuroscientists argue these neurological features are responsible for out cognitions

Question 21

how do neuroscientists map the brain for function
(localisation of function)

Answer 21

localisation of function is mapped using brain scanning techniques eg-PET scan-patients are asked to complete cognitive tasks whist brain scanning is taking place

-they look at neurotypical individuals who have experienced brain damage from trauma. They look at how there behaviour has changed and can therefore infer what the different brain structures do (they can see if cognitive functions are localised to particular areas of the brain)

Question 22

what is developmental cognitive neuroscience

Answer 22

cognitive abilities based on brain development are studied and examined
this is useful for child development so you can put interventions in place

Question 23

what are practical applications of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 23

brain scanning techniques have been used to study mental processing in patients with mental health problems
links have been made with damage to different areas and disordered behaviour
this allows treatments and support for people with mental health issues

Question 24

what are practical applications of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 24

brain plasticity is the idea that the brain can change and adapt
research has shown the more years someone is in education the more likely they are to achieve disability free recovery after brain damage
by using techniques which encourage new neuronal pathways this has lead to neurohabilitation which has helped people with brain damage to recover
this means they can go back to work and pay taxes

Question 25

what is some supporting evidence of the cognitive approach

Answer 25

it uses rigorous scienctific methods eg-PET and fMRI scans
-means IV is only thing affecting DV
-empirical evidence as they make inferences based on observable behaviour
-have falsifiable theories eg-theoretical models

Question 26

what are some criticisms or supporting evidence

Answer 26

lack ecological validity-in an a artificial contrived situation which is not true to how we measure thought processes in real life

Question 27

debates

Answer 27

in booklet

Question 28

what are some applications to the cognitive approach IRL

Answer 28

lead to therapies eg-CBT
this means you can rehabilitate people so they go back to work and pay taxes

Question 29

what are some applications to the cognitive approach IRL

Answer 29

led to reforms in police procedure as it introduced cognitive interview which means theres less money wasted on the wrong part of the judicial system eg-EWT

Question 30

Supporting evidence for the use of schemas

Answer 30

War of ghosts