The cognitive and biological approach

Question 1

What is the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

All behaviour is preceded by internal mental processes.

Question 2

Assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 2

Internal mental processes should be studied scientifically
Studies area of human behaviour neglected by behaviourists
Based on soft determinism
These are studied indirectly by making inferences based on a person’s behaviour.

Question 3

What is a schema?

Answer 3

a concept or framework that organizes and interprets information

Question 4

What happens to schemas as we get older?

Answer 4

they become more detailed and sophisticated

Question 5

What makes schemas useful?

Answer 5

-Process information quickly.
-Prevents us from being overwhelmed as it is a mental shortcut.

Question 6

What is the problem with schemas?

Answer 6

Distortion of information as we select and interpret environmental stimuli using schemas, can be irrelevant. Could be the cause of inaccuracies e.g. eyewitness testimony. Explains some errors made when perceiving optical illusions.

Question 7

What are theoretical models?

Answer 7

In cognitive psychology, models are simplified, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence.

Question 8

What are computer models?

Answer 8

Where the mind is compared the a computer thus suggesting similarities in its processing.
Software simulations of internal processes are created.

Question 9

How did cognitive neuroscience emerge?

Answer 9

In the 1860s, Paul Broca identified that damage to the frontal lobe could permanently impair speech.

Question 10

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 10

The scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes

Question 11

How has cognitive neuroscience advanced?

Answer 11

-In the last 20 years, PET and fMRI scans allow observation.
-Locates activity of mental disorders.
-Expanded to the use of computer models that can read the brain.

Question 12

Strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 12

-Objective, scientific methods in controlled lab environments.
-Links with biology which enhances scientific credibility.
-Real world application; treating depression, AI and robots.

Question 13

Weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

Answer 13

1. Assumes all people’s cognitive processes are the same. Thus, not accounting for individual differences.
2. Machine reductionist; doesn’t take into account social, emotional, environmental.
3. Lacks external validity as it can be too theoretical.

Question 14

Assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 14

Everything psychological is at first biological
To fully understand behaviour, biological structures within the body must be examined
The mind lives in the brain
These structures include: genes, nervous system and neuro-chemistry.
An understanding of brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour

Question 15

What is neurochemistry?

Answer 15

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.
-Our thoughts rely on chemical transmission.
-Can explain mental illness by imbalances of chemicals in the brain.

Question 16

What are genes?

Answer 16

Genes are sections of DNA that control a single genetic trait.
-The biological approach assumes that psychological characteristics are determined by genes.

Question 17

What is a genotype?

Answer 17

the alleles present for a characteristic

Question 18

What is a phenotype?

Answer 18

physical characteristics of an organism

Question 19

What are the different types of twins?

Answer 19

Dizygotic (2 eggs) - fraternal twins
Monozygotic (1 egg egg, 2 embryos) - identical twins

Question 20

What do twin studies show?

Answer 20

The concordance rates between twins.
-If behaviour is caused directly by genes, then we would expect mono-zygotic twins to have 100% concordance rates.

Question 21

What do adoption studies show?

Answer 21

Whether behaviour/characteristics are caused by genes or the environment.

Question 22

What is theory of evolution?

Answer 22

Charles Darwin, 19th Century. Any genetically determined behaviours that enhance survival and reproduction, will continue in further generations.

Question 23

Strengths of the biological approach?

Answer 23

-Real world application- understanding neuro-chemistry has led to treatment for mental disorders (antidepressants).
-Scientific measures are objective and precise.
-Linking psychology to biology established it as a credible science.

Question 24

Weaknesses of the biological approach?

Answer 24

Reductionist- reduce complex behaviours to a set of simple explanations which may prevent us reaching a true understanding of behaviour.
Determinist- we have no free will and control over behaviour. A criminal cannot use the excuse of having a ‘crime gene’.
Drugs do not work for everyone, therefore inferring there is more than one cause for mental disorder.