Cognitive level of analysis

Question 1

Outline principles that define the cognitive level of analysis

Answer 1

• Humans are information processors, mental processes guide our behaviour
• The mind can be studied scientifically
• Cognitive processes are influenced by social and cultural factors

Question 2

Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis

Answer 2

• Experiments
• Bransford & Johnson (1972) Identify memory processing stages that schemas may influence. Participants heard a speech with 3 conditions (No title, title before & Title after)
  Comprehension higher in topic before than other two

Question 3

Explain how principles that define the cognitive level of analysis may be demonstrated in research

Answer 3

• Humans are information processors, mental processes guide our behaviour.
• Multi-store model (Theorist: Atkinson and Shiffrin)
  The Multi-store model suggests that there are three memory stores.
  Each memory store responsible for a different type of memory
• Glanzer & Cunitz (1966) If delays between presentation and recall will reduce the recency effect but not the primacy effect.
• Cognitive processes are influenced by social and cultural factors.
• Schema theory (Frederic Bartlett)
  Mental representation of knowledge created over time from previous experiences
  Helps us organize information, guides our action and make predictions of the world.
• Brewer & Treyens (1981) Schemas of an office.

Question 4

Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the cognitive level of analysis

Answer 4

• Ethical guidelines

- Wang (2004) Talked to children about scolding from parents etc. –> Stress

Question 5

Evaluate schema theory with reference to research studies

Answer 5

-Schema theory (Theorist: Frederic Bartlett)
Mental representation of knowledge created over time from previous experiences.
Helps us organize information, guides our action and make predictions of the world

• Brewer & Treyens (1981 Schemas of an office. University students.

Question 6

Evaluate two models or theories of one cognitive process with reference to research studies

Answer 6

Theory 1: Schema theory (Theorist: Frederic Bartlett) Mental representation of knowledge created over time from previous experiences.
- Brewer & Treyens (1981) Office Schemas

Theory 2: Theory 2: Multi-store model (Theorist: Atkinson and Shiffrin)

• Memory is made up of a series of stores. Info enters sensory memory. If attended → short term memory. If information is rehersed → Long term memory. If rehersal does not occur, info is forgotten.
• Study: Glancer & Cunitz (1966) Word lists, distraction tasks. First & Last words remebered best

Question 7

Explain how biological factors may affect one cognitive process

Answer 7

• Memory (Working memory)
• HM Case study, Severe epilepsy. Medial portions of both temporal lobes removed. Anterograde amnesia. Could not remember doing the task, but performance improved.

Question 8

Discuss how social or cultural factors affect one cognitive process

Answer 8

• Cultural dimensions influence our schemas
• Cole & Scribner (1974)
  Aim to study memory development among tribal people in Liberia
  Kpelle children in Liberia from different age groups, schooled and unschooled
  objects were shown one at atime. recalled in any order.
  schooled- remembered the items by remembering the categorial similarities for example; plate, cup, or banana, potato, fish. This was similar to american children.
  unschooled- 1st trial 10 items. after 15 times only 1-2 more objects remembered.
  From this we may assume that culture and social factors plays a role in how we remember.

Question 9

With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent is one cognitive process reliable?

Answer 9

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Question 10

Discuss the use of technology in investigating cognitive processes.

Answer 10

MRI - Technology that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in concentration of oxygen in the blood.

Maguire et al. London taxi drivers

Question 11

To what extent do cognitive and biological factors interact in emotion?

Answer 11

Theory of Appraisal (Theorist: Lazarus)
A thought must occur before one experiences any emotion or physiological responses.
Primary appraisal – Evaluation of the nature of the threat. e.g. “am I going to die?”
Secondary appraisal – Evaluation of possible ways to cope with the situation. e.g. “how should I feel and react?”

• Study: Speisman et al. (1964) College students watched a circumsition. 4 different soundtracks.

Question 12

Evaluate one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process

Answer 12

Theory of Flashbulb memory (Theorist: Brown and Kulik)
Special kind of emotional memory associated with highly emotional and detailed recall of the event.
Encoded into the brain like a photo, hence Flashbulb.

• Neisser & Harsch (1992)
  Students filled out a questionnaire about Challenger explosion the day after and again 2 1/2 years later. Low accuracy the second time. Many said things they did not mention the first time (They had heard it on TV)