Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are three basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?
- Internal mental processes influence behaviour and can be studied scientifically.
- Schemas (mental frameworks) shape how we interpret the world.
- Theoretical and computer models help make assumptions (inferences) about unseen mental processes.
What do cognitive psychologists study?
Cognitive psychologists study mental processes like attention, memory, and decision-making. These are studied scientifically using lab experiments and brain scans.
What is a strength of studying internal mental processes?
It led to cognitive neuroscience, which uses brain scans to link brain areas to mental functions, making the research more scientific.
It also led to CBT, which treats mental illness by changing irrational thoughts.
What is a limitation of studying internal mental processes?
It relies on inferences, as mental processes can’t be directly observed, making the research potentially subjective.
What is cognitive neuroscience?
It is the scientific study of how brain areas are involved in mental processes. It uses techniques like fMRI while participants do tasks like memory tests.
What is a strength of cognitive neuroscience?
It helps us understand memory problems, like which brain parts are used for different types of memory. It uses accurate and scientific methods like fMRI, which gives detailed brain activity images.
What is a limitation of cognitive neuroscience?
fMRI has poor temporal resolution, meaning it can’t show brain activity in real-time, making it hard to link cause and effect.
What is the role of schema?
Schemas are mental frameworks based on past experience. They help us understand people, events, and objects, influencing perception, memory, and behaviour.
How can schema be helpful?
- They help us predict what might happen in new situations.
- They allow us to quickly process information and avoid overload.
How can schema be unhelpful?
- They can lead to false memories if expectations change how we remember events.
- Negative self-schemas can lower self-esteem and cause poor mental health.
What does ‘inference’ mean?
Inference means making assumptions about mental processes based on behaviour, since we can’t directly observe the mind.
How are theoretical models used to make inferences about mental processes?
Theoretical models use diagrams or flowcharts to explain how mental processes work. An example is the multi-store model of memory, which describes how information moves through memory stores.
What is a strength of theoretical models?
They simplify complex mental processes, making them easier to understand and apply, like students using memory models to revise.
What is a limitation of theoretical models?
They are often too simple or outdated, and may not reflect how memory or thinking actually works.
How are computer models used to make inferences about mental processes?
Computer models compare the brain to a computer: sensory input, mental processing, and behavioural output.
What is a strength of computer models?
They have helped create artificial intelligence (AI), such as virtual assistants for healthcare.
What is a limitation of computer models?
They ignore emotion and motivation, so they can’t explain emotional or irrational behaviours well.
How has the cognitive approach contributed to our understanding of human behaviour?
It shows how internal mental processes influence behaviour and can be studied scientifically. It developed cognitive neuroscience and explained how schemas affect perception and memory. It introduced useful models like the multi-store memory model and compared the brain to computers.
What is a strength of the cognitive approach’s contributions?
It uses scientific methods like fMRI, which increase accuracy and reliability of findings.
What are three limitations of the cognitive approach’s contributions?
- It relies on inferences, which can be subjective.
- Its models are often oversimplified or need updating.
- It uses computer analogies that ignore emotion and motivation in human behaviour.
