Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Name the key assumptions of the cognitive approach.

Answer 1

• Argues that internal processes should be studied scientifically
• Investigates areas like memory, perception and thinking
• These processes have to be studied indirectly by inferences

Question 2

What does cognitive mean?

Answer 2

Relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning

Question 3

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 3

An area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural functions of cognitive processes

Question 4

What are computer models?

Answer 4

Using computer analogies to explain human cognition

Question 5

What are theoretical models?

Answer 5

Simplified representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence

Question 6

What is a schema?

Answer 6

An organised pattern of thought or behaviour that organises categories of information and the relationships among them

Question 7

What are the strengths and weaknesses of schemas?

Answer 7

Strengths:
- Helps us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information
Weaknesses:
- May cause development of stereotypes
- Exclusion of information that doesn’t contain to our pre existing ideas

Question 8

State the theoretical model of memory.

Answer 8

Input —> Storage —> Retrieval

Question 9

State the multi-store model of memory.

Answer 9

Sensory information —> Sensory register —> STM —> LTM —>

Sensory info -> sensory register = attention
STM -> LTM = transfer (rehearsal loop)
LTM -> STM = retrieval

Question 10

What scanners are used in cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 10

PET
MRI / FMRI
EEG

Question 11

What information does scanning techniques give us about human behaviour?

Answer 11

• Identifies brain differences within those with brain disorders or mental health conditions
• In depth study on what certain brain areas are responsible for

Question 12

What important discoveries have been made due to the emergence of cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 12

• Discovery of ocular dominance columns
• Eye and head coordination

Question 13

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 13

• Scientifically objective
• Strong focus on internal mental processes
• Models have helped to explain internal mental processes

Question 14

What are the weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

Answer 14

• Machine reductionism
• Fails to recognise human emotions
• Over simplifies complex mental processes
• Lacks ecological validity due to its lab experiments