Cognitive Approach (booklet 6)

Question 1

Main assumptions of cognitive approach

Answer 1

Behaviour is a result of internal mental processes- the processes occurring between sensory information stimulating our senses and behaviour
Believe differences in processing lead to individual differences eg abnormality
Comparisons can be made between human brain and computers as they process information in same way
Unlike behaviourists, cognitive psychologists believe cognitive processes should be studied scientifically
Cognitive processes can be understood by making inferences (reasoned conclusions) based on results of scientific study

Question 2

Theoretical models

Answer 2

Uses theoretical models to represent internal cognitive processes
Visual diagrams eg images/graphs showing how internal mental processes work
Eg MSM uses arrows and boxes to represent flow of information
Strength is that it allows complex/abstract processes and concepts to be presented clearly and sequentially t be easily understood

Question 3

Computer models

Answer 3

Cognitive psychology and computer studies share the same vocabulary
Some argue the mind processes information the same way as computers
Called the information processing model
Computers: type on a word doc -(input)-> computer processes command -(output)-> computer saves based on command
Humans: sensory experience -(input)-> schemas -(output)-> behaviour

Question 4

Schemas

Answer 4

Cognitive frameworks used to speed up information processing
Created, shaped and refined through our interaction with the world
Allow you to quickly process and interpret new information without much conscious effort
Can quickly inform behaviour in new situations

Question 5

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 5

Combines assumptions of cognitive and biological approaches in order to create a ‘map’ of the brain to identify areas of the brain responsible for certain functions eg damage Broca’s area in frontal lobe can influence language production
Advances in technology means we can now systematically observe neurological basis of mental processes through scans eg fMRI and PET scans
Eg Buckner and Peterson found the semantic and episodic memories were controlled by different parts of the prefrontal cortex
Scans can also be used to identify neuroanatomical differences potentially responsible for mental health problems eg depression, OCD, schizophrenia
Recently mindmapping techniques have evolved to analyse brain wave patterns which may lead to the ability to assess whether eyewitnesses are lying in court

Question 6

Evaluate the use of cognitive neuroscience

Answer 6

✅developed our understanding of how our brain works which has led to the development of medications
✅led to the development of AI
❌could be considered unethical eg analysing brain waves to see if people are lying = invasion of privacy

Question 7

Evaluate the cognitive approach - objective

Answer 7

A strength is the use of scientific/objective methods
Eg lab studies like Peterson and Petersons memory study
Use of standardise procedures which are replicable and control extraneous variables to establish cause and effect
Means approach as a whole has more scientific credibility as research has high internal validity and reliability
However these studies also have low ecological validity
Memory studies use artificial tasks like reciting lists - not an accurate representation of how we use mental processes like memory in everyday life

Question 8

Evaluate the cognitive approach - reductionist

Answer 8

Approach could be criticised as it is based on machine reductionism
The computer analogy has been criticised because it fails to consider important differences between machines and humans
For instance emotion, social factors, culture, forgetting
Could be considered a limitation as it fails to account for important factors that influence human behaviour and is therefore an incomplete explanation

Question 9

Evaluate the cognitive approach - everyday application

Answer 9

Eg CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) has been successful treating depression and anxiety
Works by identifying and changing irrational thinking patterns
Effective as it equips individuals with the skills needed to challenge distorted thinking
Has longer lasting effects than other treatments like drug therapy
Can be used to rest comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety
Strength because the approach has led to the development of successful treatments and therefore has had a positive impact on society