APPROACHES ( THE COGNITIVE APPR)

Question 1

Outline the cognitive approach

Answer 1

Cognitive approach - focuses on how internal mental processes such as perception , memory , attention influence behaviour.

Question 2

Outline the Cognitive approach’s assumptions : internal mental processes , theoretical and computer models , the role of schemas , cognitive neuroscience

Answer 2

Internal mental processes - mental processes are studied scientifically and indirectly by inferring what’s happening in the mind from behaviour

Theoretical & Computer models - theoretical models like the MSM used to represent mental processes

Role of Schema - mental frameworks built from experience that helps us process information quickly

Cognitive neuroscience - An emerging field combining cognitive psychology and neuroscience

Question 3

EVALUATE THE COGNITIVE APPROACH

Answer 3

STRENGTHS :

Uses highly controlled lab experiments and brain scanning technologies. Cog neuroscience has given psychology credible scientific status. Increases the approach’s validity and replicability

Practical applications : Cog approach has led to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for mental illness. Improvements in EWT by understanding role of schemas. Demonstrates usefulness of the approach in everyday life

LIMITATIONS :

Machine reductionism : the computer analogy oversimplifies human cognition. It ignores emotion and motivation , which may affect how we think or behave eg. Anxiety can affect memory. Reduces validity of comparisons between humans and machines

Reliance on interference :
single mental processes can’t be directly observed , cognitive psychologists must infer what’s happening from behaviour . This can make theories too abstract or hypothetical . Some models may lack external validity as they are based on artificial tasks .