cognitive approach

Question 1

the mind is likened to a …

Answer 1

computer

Question 2

explain the computer model

Answer 2

uses the concept of a central processing unit (the brain) and the use of coding to turn information into a usable form and the use of stores to hold information .
- suggest that the information flows through the cognitive system inti a sequence of stages , input -> storage -> retrieval as the multi store memory model

Question 3

define schema

Answer 3

a mental framework of beliefs and exceptions that influence cognitive processing

Question 4

assimilation

Answer 4

adding new information to an already existing schema

Question 5

accomodation

Answer 5

creating a new schema to add information too

Question 6

bugelski and alampay the ratman study

Answer 6

two groups of participants shown a sequence of pictures either a number of different faces or a number of different animals then shown an ambiguous figure of the rat man…

participants who saw a sequence of faces saw were more likely to perceive the figure asa man

participants who saw a sequence of animals were more likely to see a rat

Question 7

outline of a schema
A01

Answer 7

schemas a re vital for us too understand and interpret information , schemas are a mental framework of beliefs and prior knowledge .
baby are born with simple motor schemas as we grow older these schemas become more sophisticated and more detailed .
schemas allows us to create a mental shortcut which allows us nit to be overwhelmed by an environmental stimulus
schema however are not always accurate schemas may distort our interpretation of sensory information leading to perceptual errors

Question 8

emergence of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 8

1860s Paul broca identified an area of the frontal lobe which when damaged affected the ability to speak (brocas area)

brain imaging such as fMRI and PET scans allow us to identify activity in specific areas of the brain responsible for specific behaviours and thoughts
eg a neuroscientist can now place an electrode on various areas of the brain and the patient describes what they feel or think
eg recent research shows 20% of patients in a coma are able to activate an area of the motor cortex when a researcher asks them to imagine playing tennis suggesting they are fully conscious

Question 9

machine reductionist
weakness

Answer 9

computer model ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how this may affect our ability too process information

Question 10

scientific procedures
strength

Answer 10

uses highly controlled and rigorous methods of study such as lab experiments to produce reliable and objective data

Question 11

soft deterministic
strength

Answer 11

recognises it is only able to operate in the limits of what we know but we have an element of free will , more reasonable then hard deterministic that some other approaches take

Question 12

real life application
strength

Answer 12

the most dominant approach in psychology and has been applied to practical and theoretical contexts eg help to enhance ai