The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the Cognitive Approach?

Answer 1

• Behaviour is the result of internal mental processes, such as memory and perception.
• Internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically.
• Internal mental processes cannot be observed directly so they are studied indirectly by
  making inferences based on behaviour which can be observed.
• An information processing approach is used to explain human thinking and behaviour.

Question 2

What do cognitive psychologists do?

Answer 2

Cognitive psychologists study what they can observe and measure (e.g. behaviour) and then make inferences (assumptions) about the internal mental processes that may have caused what they observed.

Question 3

What is an inference?

Answer 3

An inference is the act of drawing a conclusion from evidence and reasoning. Clues taken from observable behaviour can suggest what is going on in the unobservable mind.

Question 4

What kind of approach was adopted to model how human thought works?

Answer 4

An information processing approach.

Question 5

How is information received and processed and what is produced according to this approach?

Answer 5

Information is received as an input; the information is processed within the system; and an output is produced.

Question 6

What is input?

Answer 6

Information is received from the environment.

Question 7

What is processing?

Answer 7

Information is operated on.

Question 8

What is the output?

Answer 8

Result of the processed information.

Question 9

What two models does this approach use to study the human mind and behaviour?

Answer 9

Computer models and theoretical models are used to study and make inferences about the human mind and behaviour.

Question 10

What are theoretical models?

Answer 10

Theoretical models explain specific mental processes and are characterised by a series of steps, usually illustrated by a diagram.

Question 11

What are they used for?

Answer 11

They are used to make inferences about unseen
mental processes that are causing a particular behaviour.

Question 12

What forms the basis for the construction of theoretical models?

Answer 12

Experimental findings provide the basis for the construction of theoretical models. Further experimental findings can support the model or indicate if revisions are needed.

Question 13

What can theoretical models make?

Answer 13

Theoretical models can also be used to make
predictions, which are then tested empirically.

Question 14

Give an example of a theoretical model.

Answer 14

One example of a theoretical model is the multi-store
model of memory. The MSM explains internal mental
processes in human memory by depicting key storage components (e.g. STM and LTM) as boxes and key processes (e.g. attention and rehearsal) as arrows.

Question 15

What are computer models used for?

Answer 15

Computer scientists construct computer models to simulate human internal mental processing.

Question 16

Explain the process of computer programming in relation to human behaviour.

Answer 16

A computer is programmed with an algorithm, which is a step-by-step set of instructions about how to process information.

Input is provided to the computer programme (likened to environmental stimuli).

This information is processed according to the algorithm (likened to internal mental processes); which results in an output (likened to behaviour).

Question 17

Give an example of a computer model.

Answer 17

One example of a computer model used in virtual relationships is the mobile dating App Tinder, which attempts to simulate the processes a human would go through when deciding on a potential romantic partner.

Or ChatGPT

Question 18

How can Tinder be used as an example of a computer model?

Answer 18

The app uses an algorithm that accepts inputs such as a person’s personal interests, processes this information by matching users with similar
interests and provides an output which returns a selection of potential partner matches.

Question 19

What are the similarities between computer models and theoretical models?

Answer 19

Both are used to make inferences about internal mental processes
Both adopt an information processing approach

Question 20

What are the differences between computer models and theoretical models?

Answer 20

Theoretical -
Diagrams of internal mental processing
WHEREAS..
Computer -
Simulations of internal mental processing

Theoretical -
Processes are developed naturally through experience
WHEREAS..
Computer -
Processes requires direct programming through algorithms

Question 21

What is a schema?

Answer 21

A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information. They are ‘packages’ of knowledge developed through experience.

Question 22

Why are schemas useful?

Answer 22

They are useful because they allow us to take quick short-cuts when interpreting the huge amounts of information we have to deal with every day.

Question 23

What do schemas allow us to do?

Answer 23

Schemas (schemata) allow us to fill in the gaps in information, inform our expectations and enable us to behave ‘appropriately’ in a situation.

Question 24

How can schemas be dangerous?

Answer 24

However, schemas also mean that we will ignore or minimise evidence that does not fit with our existing schema leading to distortion, bias and stereotyping. In these situations we will look for information to confirm pre-existing beliefs and ideas.

Question 25

What is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 25

Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the biological basis for mental processing, specifically how neurons behave during those processes.

Question 26

How do cognitive neuroscientists systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processing?

Answer 26

Using brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Question 27

Give an example of this.

Answer 27

One example was Tulving’s work on memory. He showed that episodic and semantic memory (both types of long-term memory) seem to be located on opposite sides of the pre-frontal cortex, thus disputing that long-term memory is a single unitary store.

Question 28

How has the focus of cognitive neuroscience been expanded?

Answer 28

The focus of cognitive neuroscience has expanded recently to include the use of computer models.

Question 29

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 29

It supports psychology as a scientific discipline. It has a number of successful applications in many areas of psychology.

Question 30

What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 30

There are issues with methodology and validity. It is reductionist.

Question 31

Explain the strength of the support of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Answer 31

P - One strength of the cognitive approach is that is supports psychology as a scientific discipline. E - This is because the cognitive approach has contributed towards the credible scientific basis of Psychology. E - For example, the approach employs highly controlled and rigorous empirical methods such as the use of laboratory experiments to enable researchers to infer cognitive processes at work. E - The use of laboratory experiments to produces reliable, objective data. R - This is a strength because unseen mental processes can be studied in a scientific and objective manner contributing to the credibility of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Question 32

Explain the strength of having a number of successful applications in many areas of psychology.

Answer 32

P - One strength of the cognitive approach is that it has a number of successful applications in many areas of psychology. E - It has led to many successful cognitive based therapies for depression, OCD and eating disorders. E - For example, cognitive psychology has expanded our understanding of Psychopathology by offering explanation for dysfunctional behaviour like depression, suggesting it is underpinned by faulty thought processes. E - In addition, cognitive psychology has been used within Eyewitness Testimony research through the development of the cognitive interview which increases the accessibility of stored information. R - This is a strength as the principles of the cognitive approach can be applied to a number of settings.

Question 33

Explain the limitation of reductionism.

Answer 33

P - One limitation of the cognitive approach is that it has been accused of being reductionist. E - This means that it has an over simplistic, mechanistic view of human behaviour. E - For example, the cognitive approach focuses on different models such as the computer model, however, computers are not complete mirrors of humans, e.g. they do not get stressed unlike humans. E - Therefore although many inferences about human behaviour can be suggested, a complete replication of human behaviour is unlikely. R - This is a limitation as it questions the usefulness of the approach as an explanation of human behaviour.

Question 34

Explain the limitation of the issues with methodology and validity.

Answer 34

P - One limitation of the cognitive approach is the methodology used leading to issues with validity. E - For example, in cognitive neuroscience, participants in fMRI studies are lay on their back, in a claustrophobic and noisy environment, whist trying to complete tasks. E - The laboratory environment used within cognitive research may not be able to be generalised to real life settings. E - Additionally, the findings of the study may not be representative of what was actually being measured. R - This is a limitation because the techniques used can reduce both the internal and ecological validity of the findings.