The Cognitive Approach - 29/11/23 Flashcards
What does Cognitive mean?
Mental processes
What are the 4 Assumptions of the Cognitive Approach?
1) The mind actively processes info from our senses
2) It argued that internal mental processes should be studied scientifically
3) Mediational processes occur between stimulus and response
4) Humans are information processes and therefore resemble computers.
What does Inferences mean?
When cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes work based off observed behaviour
What does Schema mean?
A cognitive framework that helps us organise and interpret information
What is Schema learned through?
Experience
What are babies born with (in relation to schema)?
Babies are born with a simple motor schema for innate behaviour
What does Schema allow us to do when trying to organise and interpet lots of information?
- Schema allows us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information
- This prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
What can shortcuts in Schema negatively lead to?
It can lead to perceptual errors and stereotypes, as we make assumptions about people based on incomplete information
What do Cognitive Psychologists do to study internal processes?
They develop:
* Theoretical Models
* Computer Models
What happens in Theoretical Models?
Suggests that information flows through a sequence of stages that include input, storage, retreival
What is an example of Theoretical Model?
Multi store model of memory
What happens in Computer Models?
Computer Model refers to programmes that can be run on a computer to imitate the human mind
What can psychologists test by running such computer programmes?
Whether their ideas about info processing are correct
What are the two formats humans can use to store memories?
- Semantic
- Acoustic
Where was Cognitive Science first formally formed?
MIT
