evaluation of the cognitive approach

Question 1

evaluation points for the cognitive approach

Answer 1

• real world applications
• strength of it being scientific
• limitation of machine reductionism
• limitation of relying on inferences
• limitation of studies using artificial stimuli

Question 2

real world applications of cognitive approach

Answer 2

• The cognitive approach explains mental illnesses like depression as the result of faulty thinking.
• This has led to effective treatments such as CBT, which targets thought processes.
• Cognitive psychology has contributed to advancements in artificial intelligence and thinking machines.
• The success of these applications supports the validity of the cognitive explanation of behaviour.
• Real-world usefulness supports the external validity of the approach, showing it can improve lives.

Question 3

strength of cognitive approach from it being scientific

Answer 3

• The cognitive approach uses controlled, rigorous methods to study mental processes.
• Laboratory experiments are used to produce reliable, objective data. e.g. Loftus and Palmer study controlled post event discussion, controlled video clip etc.
• This has established a credible and scientific way to understand how the mind works.
• These methods support the validity and credibility of the cognitive approach.

Question 4

limitation of cognitive approach from machine reductionism

Answer 4

• machine reductionism= the belief that behaviour is best explained by breaking it down into smaller constituent parts, and presents people as information processors like machines
• The cognitive approach compares the mind to a computer (e.g. input, storage), but this analogy has been criticised.
• It is reductionist, as it overlooks the impact of emotion and motivation on information processing.
• For example, research found that anxiety can affect memory performance (explain Johnson and Scott’s findings)
• Ignoring these factors means the cognitive approach may not fully explain human behaviour.

Question 5

limitation of cognitive approach from it relying on inferences

Answer 5

• cognitive psychologists can only infer mental processes from behaviour that they observe in their research e.g. add example of how they could make an incorrect inference
• therefore it cannot be confidently concluded that the inferences made on the basis of observed behaviour are valid as these processes cannot be directly measured
• so experimental evidence cannot strongly support internal validity of cognitive approach

Question 6

limitation of cognitive approach from using artificial stimuli

Answer 6

• Cognitive research often uses artificial tasks (e.g. learning random word lists).
• Such tasks may not reflect real-life mental processing.
• This limits the external validity of the findings.
• As a result, the research may not strongly support the cognitive approach.