cognitive exam questions

Question 1

explain one reason why a schema might be useful when processing information from the world around us and explain one reason why using schema might not be useful when processing information from the world around us (4 MARKS)

Answer 1

schemas help us predict what will happen in the world based on our experiences, however they can distort our interpretations of sensory information and therefore lead to perceptual errors

Question 2

give 2 assumptions of the cognitive approach and illustrate an answer with reference to a topic in psychology (4 MARKS)

Answer 2

• mental processes can be regarded as information processing e.g. memory
• mental processes can be scientifically studied e.g. stress

Question 3

explain what is meant by ‘inferences’ (1 MARKS)

Answer 3

inferences is going beyond the immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed

Question 4

outline 2 features of the cognitive approach (4 MARKS)

Answer 4

• schemas are the mental representations of experiences and knowledge and understanding
• mental processes are information processing and the processing can be compared to that of a computer

Question 5

outline 2 limitations of the cognitive approach (4 MARKS)

Answer 5

• the approach can be seen as mechanical reductionism in regarding human thinking as processing like the computer, leaving little room for the irrational seen in emotional behaviors
• issue of soft determinism and little room for processes other than internal mental events affecting behaviour such as biology