The Cognitive Approach - Evaluation

Question 1

Strength - uses scientific / objective methods.

Answer 1

• Controlled and rigorous methods of study.
• Allows biology and cognitive psychology to come together.
• Study of mind has credible / scientific bases.

Question 2

Limitation - based on machine reductionism.

Answer 2

• Although similarities between human mind / computer, approach criticised.
• Motivation and emotion influence accuracy of recall (eyewitness accounts) - factors not considered in computer analogy.
• Approach oversimplifies human cognitive processing - ignores important aspects influencing performance.

Question 3

Approach based on research lacking external validity.

Answer 3

• Can only infer mental processes on observed behaviour so approach too abstract / theoretical.
• Research uses artificial stimuli not representing everyday experiences.
• Research lacks external validity.

Question 4

Strength - application to everyday life.

Answer 4

Applied to wide range of cognitive / theoretical contexts.

• Contributed to artificial intelligence / development of robots.
• Advances likely to revolutionise future living.

Question 5

Strength - approach less determinist than others.

Answer 5

• Based on soft determinism - cognitive system operates within certain limits but free to think before responding to stimulus.
• Behavourist approach states we’re passive slaves to the environment and lack free choice in behaviour.
• Cognitive approach is more flexible / reasonable in free will - determinism debate - more in line with subjective sense of free will.