Cognitive approach assumptions

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

> computer analogy
Internal mental processes
Schemas

Question 2

computer analogy

Answer 2

• compare the human mind with a computer - take in information, change it/store it, recall when necessary.
• during process stage we use cognitive processes of perception - attention, memory
• The mind is compared with the hardware of a computer and cognitive processes with computer software

Question 3

Example for computer analogy

Answer 3

Multistore model of memory
Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)
model shows that information is input to brain through senses and moved to short-term memory and then to long-term memory. Output when required

Question 4

Internal mental processes

Answer 4

• approach sees humans as information processors
• essential cognitive processes work together to respond to the world around us
• processes include : perception, attention, memory, language. - work toether to help understand environment.

Question 5

Schemas

Answer 5

• organised packets of information that are built through experience and stored in long-term memory
• derived from past experiences, can be refined through further interactions
• Don’t represent reality
• built up via social exchanges rather than personal interactions
• Can take different forms - event schemas (scripts like going to a restaurant) role schemas (nurse)

Question 6

Example for schemas

Answer 6

• ‘burgular’ schema. most people never witnessed bulglary but schema would be male, balaclava, young
• Dog schema - 4 legs, fury, bark, tail

Question 7

Relationship formation - schemas

Answer 7

• packets of knowledge we have about other people govern how we act/feel towards them
• Example -Dion et al (1972) - peole believe that physically attractive people = have attractive personal qualities - Halo effect
• If we perceive a person to be attractive we may thingk ther have good qualities= may become interested forming relationship

Question 8

Relationship formation - Internal mental processes

Answer 8

• essential in RF:
• self-perception/perception of others(important)
• the way we believe others to be will determine our desire to enter relationship
• meet a stranger - your perception based on first impressions will influence whether you want to meet again
• Memories (important) - positive of past relationship we are driven to form new ones, negative = not