The cognitive approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• internal mental processes should be studied scientifically and make inferences about cognitive processes in peoples minds on the basis of their behaviour
• schemas act as mental frameworks
• cognitive processes can be studied by computer models
• other approaches ignore memory, perception and thinking. These processes are private and therefore must be studied using infrences

Question 2

What is the role of schemas?

Answer 2

• schemas are pre packaged ideas and information that people develop based on expierence
• these act as mental frameworks for incoming information
• prevent us from being overwhelmed by external stimuli by acting as shortcuts

Question 3

How do psychologists use theoretical/computer models

Answer 3

• theoretical and computer models can be used to make infrences about internal mental processes.
• focus on the information processing approach suggets that information flows through cognitive systems in stages similar to computers. This is input, storage and retrieval.
• Example is the multi memory model
• computer models = inputting instructions into a computer and seeing if the output is similar to a human mind
• this helps develop AI and the development of thinking machines

Question 4

What is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 4

• the study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes
• for example paul broca identified damage to the frontal lobe can impair speech production

Question 5

What are two strengths?

Answer 5

• the cognitive appraoch uses obejctive sceintific approaches which are highly controlled and produce reliable data such as cognitive neuroscience. This means it is very credible
• RWA, the cognitive approach has practical applications and can be used for AI and developing robots. They have also been used to improve the reliability of eyewitnesses testimonies

Question 6

What is a weakness of the cognitive approach

Answer 6

• machine reductionism. The cognitive approach ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on our behaviour and cognitive systems. This reduces its validity
• determinsm, lack of free will of humans