P2 Approaches 4. Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What is the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

It recognises that mental processes cannot be directly studied, but must be studied by inferring what goes on as a result of measuring behaviour.

Question 2

What is a schema?

Answer 2

A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain.
-They allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information
-It helps us to fill the gaps in the absence of information about a person, event or thing (e.g “foreign foods”)

Question 3

What are theoretical models?

Answer 3

Theoretical models are simplified models, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental processes based on current research methods.

Question 4

What are computer models?

Answer 4

The computer model refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition

Question 5

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 5

This is an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions

Question 6

What are strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 6

-It’s application to the treatment of psychological disorders (it has led to the development of successful treatments)
-The use of scientific methods (it provides researchers with a method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach accurate conclusions)

Question 7

What are limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 7

-The limitations of computer models (computer models are not an accurate representation of the human mind)
-It ignores emotion and motivation (although it can tell us how different cognitive processes take place, it fails to tell us why they do)
-The studies may lack ecological validity (many studies of the cognitive approach tend to use tasks that have little in common with participants’ everyday experiences)