The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What does the cognitive approach study?

Answer 1

Internal mental processes and the role of schema

It also includes the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes.

Question 2

What is the significance of the order of letters in a word according to research at Cambridge University?

Answer 2

The first and last letters must be in the right place; the rest can be a total mess

This illustrates that the human mind reads words as whole units rather than letter by letter.

Question 3

What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 3

• Internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically
• Internal mental processes are private and cannot be studied directly, so inferences need to be made.

Question 4

When did the cognitive movement begin?

Answer 4

In the late 1950s

The movement emphasized the importance of thought in explaining human behavior.

Question 5

What do schemas represent?

Answer 5

Mental representations of concepts

They include knowledge, beliefs, and expectations about concepts in our world.

Question 6

How are schemas formed?

Answer 6

Through experiences and interactions with our environment.

Question 7

Why are schemas useful?

Answer 7

They help us organize the world and direct our behavior.

Question 8

What is a potential downside of schemas?

Answer 8

They can lead to faulty conclusions and distorted views of situations.

Question 9

What do theoretical models of cognitive processes identify?

Answer 9

The likely stages of information processing between stimulus and response.

Question 10

What format do theoretical models often display information processing stages?

Answer 10

In a sequence-like format, such as the Multi-store Model of Memory.

Question 11

True or False: The cognitive approach accepts behaviorist views that humans are just a product of stimulus and response.

Answer 11

False

The cognitive approach rejects this view and focuses on the mental processes in between.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Schemas are _______ to each individual as they result from personal experiences.

Answer 12

unique

Question 13

What is the cognitive approach’s view on the study of mental processes?

Answer 13

They should be studied scientifically.

Question 14

What is a ‘mental shortcut’ in the context of schemas?

Answer 14

A method that allows quick engagement with a situation without being overwhelmed by sensory information.

Question 15

What does the ‘computer analogy’ suggest about human cognition?

Answer 15

Computers process information in a series of steps similar to the human mind.

Question 16

What role does the Central Processing Unit (CPU) play in the computer analogy of cognition?

Answer 16

It codes and processes information into a usable format.

Question 17

In the cognitive approach, what is the first step in processing information?

Answer 17

Input from the environment through senses.

Question 18

What does Roo do after encoding the information about the old lady?

Answer 18

He makes a decision that the old lady needs help.

Question 19

What is the output in the cognitive processing model?

Answer 19

The behavioral response emitted following processing.

Question 20

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 20

The study of the underlying biological processes and structures that influence internal mental processes.

Question 21

What significant area of the brain was identified in the 1860s related to cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 21

Broca’s area.

Question 22

How have advances in technology impacted cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 22

They have enabled mapping of the brain and inferences about activation linked to specific mental processes.

Question 23

What was the focus of Maguire et al’s (2000) research?

Answer 23

The brains of London taxi drivers.

Question 24

What is ‘The Knowledge’ test that London taxi drivers must complete?

Answer 24

A test involving learning all the streets and landmarks in London.

Question 25

What structural difference was found in the brains of taxi drivers compared to controls?

Answer 25

Significantly larger grey matter in the left and right posterior hippocampus.

Question 26

What correlation was found in the research on taxi drivers?

Answer 26

Between the amount of time spent as a taxi driver and the volume in the right posterior hippocampus.

Question 27

What recent advancements have been made in cognitive neuroscience research?

Answer 27

Use of computer-generated models for brain reading, leading to brain mapping and 'brain fingerprinting.'

Question 28

What is a strength of the Cognitive approach?(links to practical application)

Answer 28

It has identified and described many internal mental processes.

Question 29

What practical application has the Cognitive approach had?

Answer 29

The practical application in fields of Treatment of psychological disorders like Depression. CBT focuses on challenging the faulty cognitions associated with depression, such as negative schemas

Question 30

What is a strength of the cognitive approach in regard to determinism?

Answer 30

P-less deterministic than some other approaches, such as the biological or behaviourist approach E-Allows the individual to think about how they wish to respond E-Allows for a degree of free will in our behaviour

Question 31

What is a weakness of the cognitive approach in regard to artificiality?

Answer 31

P- much of the research is conducted in highly artificial and controlled settings, using artificial stimuli E-Baddeley’s research into coding in the STM and the LTM E-questions whether the mental processing which occurs in response to these artificial stimuli is truly representative of how we process everyday information. L-Research may lack external validity

Question 32

What is a weakness of the cognitive approach in regard to simplicity?

Answer 32

P-The computer analogy is too simplistic E-machine reductionism often means that the role of emotion and how it influences our thoughts is overlooked E-Therefore, this is a crucial difference between humans and machines.