approaches: cognitive approach Flashcards
(16 cards)
what does this approach focus on
how our mental processes (thoughts, perceptions, attention) affect our behaviour
outline the assumptions
The cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes should and can be studied scientifically.
* As a result, the cognitive approach has studied those areas of the brain that the behaviourist approach has neglected such as: memory, perception and thinking.
* Because these processes are private and unobservable, cognitive psychologists have to study them indirectly by making inferences. This is making assumptions about internal mental processes based on observable behaviour.
what are the two models
- theoretical
- computer
explain the theroretical model
One important theoretical model is the information processing approach, which suggests that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages.
* Information is picked up from our senses and enters our brain. It is then processed using a
schema and this leads to an observable behaviour.
input > processing > output
explain the computer model
The mind is compared to a computer
There are similarities in the way information is processed. These models use:
* concept of a central processing unit (the brain),
* concept of coding (to turn information into a useable format) and the use of stores to hold information
outline schema
folders or packages of ideas and information that are developed through experience.
These folders contain a persons beliefs and expectations. These folders increase in number and become more developed and sophisticated over time, with age
define assimilation
taking in new information and adding it to your schema
define accommodation
adjusting your schema to fit new information
AO3: strengths of a schema
Schemas enable us to process lots of information quickly and this is useful as a sort of mental short-cut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
AO3: weaknesses of schemas
Schema can distort our interpretation of sensory information
Schemas** lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate EWT / memories**
Schema can cause biased recall / see what we expect
define cognitive neuroscience
the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes
outline cognitive neuroscience
boomed in the last 20 years due to the development of brain imaging techniques e.g. MRI, fMRI, PET, CAT etc.
Brain imaging techniques allows us to identify which aspects of behaviour and cognition are related to which area of the brain.
It also allow doctors and researchers to view activity or problems within the human brain.
For example Paul Broca identified how damage to an area of the frontal lobe could permanently impair speech production.
AO3: strengths of cognitive neuroscience
The use of cognitive neuroscience is an objective method of studying mental processes. Through brain scanning techniques we are able to observe and see inside the brain without any subjective interpretation.
Through the use of brain scanning techniques we are able to see mental health disorders have a biological basis, for example the role of the parahippocampal gyrus in OCD. This can result in the development of new therapeutics. This therefore **reduce the blame and stigma around mental health. **
AO3: real life application
One strength of the cognitive approach is that there is real life application
The cognitive approach has been applied to the treatment of depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy involves identifying and challenging the patient irrational thought. This is done through reality testing, whereby the client is given homework to write down when they were successful at completing a task or someone said something nice to them. This is then used as evidence in therapy to prove their irrational belief false.
STRENGTH as this supports the value of the cognitive approach. It also proves how internal mental processes are the cause of human behaviour. As it proves depression is caused by irrational thoughts.
AO3: reductionist
One weakness of the cognitive approach is that it ignores the influence of emotion and motivation.
This approach compares the mind to the operations of a computer, suggesting there are similarities such as inputs and outputs, storage systems and the use of a central processor. This is a weakness because it ignores the influence of emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how this may affect our ability to process information. Research has found anxiety can have an influence on how we process information. When we have high levels of anxiety, recall is poor
as we focus our attention on the source of anxiety such as the weapon. So do not process other details of the offender such as height or hair colour.
WEAKNESS as the approach is **machine reductionist **
AO3: objective
One strength is that the cognitive approach uses scientific and objective methods.
This approach uses** lab experiments** which are highly controlled and have standardised procedures.
STRENGTH as the research can be repeated to try and find similar results so the cognitive approach is reliable.
COUNTER: The cognitive approach** relies on the inference of mental processes rather then direct observation of behaviour.** This is an indirect, unobservable measure of the brain. Additionally, research studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli such as tests of memory involving word lists, that may not represent everyday experience
WEAKNESS as research on cognitive processes may also lack external validity
