Cognitive Approach

Question 1

what does the cognitive approach assume?

Answer 1

internal mental processes(e.g. memory, perception and thinking) can be studied scientifically

Question 2

how do you study internal mental processes scientically?

Answer 2

• these can’t be observed directly so are studied indirectly by making inferences about what goes on inside people’s mind based on their behaviour

Question 3

how do we make sense of mental processes?

Answer 3

use theoretical models such as the information processing approach

Question 4

what does the information processing model suggest?

Answer 4

the mind works like a computer, in that information is inputted, stored and retrieved (e.g. MSM)

Question 5

what does the cognitive approach emphasise the role for?

Answer 5

emphasises the role of schemas

Question 6

what are schemas?

Answer 6

packages of information that we developed through experience and use to interpret incoming information

Question 7

what is a limitation of schemas?

Answer 7

can distort our interpretations of sensory information, leading to perceptual errors

Question 8

what is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 8

scientific study of linking brain structure to mental processes, using brain imaging techniques(e.g. fMRI or PET scans)

Question 9

what is an example of cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 9

revealed that episodic and semantic memory are processed in the prefrontal cortex

Question 10

what are the evaluations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 10

+ uses scientific and objective methods
- machine reductionist
+ useful real life application