Unit 1 - Cognitive Approach

Question 1

3 assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

Schemas
Computer analogy
Internal mental processes

Question 2

What does the computer analogy explain?

Answer 2

That the brain operates like a computer as mental processing involves input, processing & output

Question 3

What re the 4 internal mental processes?

Answer 3

Attention
Perception
Memory
Language

Question 4

Explain the internal mental process of attention…

Answer 4

Involves selecting & processing environmental stimulus while ignoring others

Question 5

Explain the internal mental process of perception

Answer 5

Info from sence organs is processed & interpreted to give understanding of world

Question 6

Explain the internal mental process of memory

Answer 6

Involves input, storage & retrieval of info

Question 7

Explain the internal mental process of language

Answer 7

Enables humans to use symbolic thought/symbols to represent objects/concepts

Question 8

What is a schema?

Answer 8

Mental structure that hold ‘packages of info’ about an aspect of the world

Question 9

Schemata helps us….

Answer 9

Make sense of the world by providing short cuts to identifying things we come across

Question 10

An issue with schemas is?

Answer 10

They don’t always represent reality due to being put together due to social exchange

Question 11

Cognitive links to human behaviour?

Answer 11

Schizophrenia

Relationship formation

Question 12

How does the cognitive approach link to the human behaviour of schizophrenia?

Answer 12

Internal mental processes
Schizophrenics lack internal MP skills, ie lack of preconscious filters
Thus, suffer sensory overload, causing unorganised behaviour and schizophrenia

Question 13

How does the cognitive approach link to the human behaviour of relationship formation?

Answer 13

Schemas
Halo effect - schemas of attractive pope leaves also having good qualities
Thus, more likely to become interested and form a relationship

Question 14

Therapy of the cognitive approach?

Answer 14

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Question 15

2 components in CBT? What do they entail?

Answer 15

Cognitive element - identifying -ve thoughts contributing to problems
Behaviourist element - encourage client to engage in reality testing

Question 16

What are the 3 examples to use with CBT?

Answer 16

Pleasant activity scheduling
Dysfunctional thought diary
Cognitive restructuring

Question 17

Strength of CBT

Answer 17

+ effective treatment
+ empowering
+ no side effects
+ cost effective in the LT

Question 18

Weaknesses of CBT

Answer 18

• not a superior treatment
• reliance on the therapist
• individual difference not accounted for
• overlooks other situations in life
• can damage self esteem

Question 19

What is the classic study of the cognitive approach?

Answer 19

Loftus and palmer- automobile reconstuction

Question 20

EX 1 aim of loftus and palmers study is….

Answer 20

Investigate how past event info/ misinform influences memory

Question 21

Methodology of loftus and palmers study

Answer 21

2 lab experiments
45 participants in ex 1
150 participants in ex 2
Independent measures design

Question 22

EX 1 Procedures of loftus and palmers study

Answer 22

Shown 7 short clips of accidents
5 groups, 7 in each
Questionnaire after each clip
Asked 1 critical question

Question 23

What was the critical question in EX 1 of loftus and palmers study

Answer 23

“How fast were the cars going when they ………. each other?”

Question 24

What were the 5 verbs used with the critical question in EX 1 of loftus and palmers study

Answer 24

Smashed
Collided
Bumped
Hit
Contacted

Question 25

What were the findings of EX 1 in loftus and palmers study

Answer 25

``` Mean speed estimates were calculated Smashed - 40.8 Collided - 39.3 Bumped - 38.1 Hit - 34.0 Contacted - 31.8 ```

Question 26

What were the conclusions of EX 1 in loftus and palmers study

Answer 26

Indicated form of question can effect witnesses answer - response- bias factors (different estimates occur due to influence of critical word) - memory representation is altered (critical word changes persons memory so perception is affected)

Question 27

EX 2 aim of loftus and palmers study

Answer 27

Investigate if leading question could bias a persons response/alter memory

Question 28

Procedure of EX 2 of loftus and palmers study

Answer 28

``` Shown clip of multiple crashes Asked questions on speed 3 groups of 5 Asked 1 of 3 critical questions A week later, returned and asked another question ‘did you see smashed glass?’ ```

Question 29

What were the critical questions in EX 2 of loftus and palmers study

Answer 29

Q1- ‘how fast were the cars going when they smashed?’ Q2 - ‘how fast were the cars going when they hit?’ Q3 - no question asked (control group)

Question 30

What were the findings of EX 2 in loftus and palmers study?

Answer 30

``` Recorded who said yet or o to smashed glass - Yes — No Smashed - 16 — 34 Hit - 7 — 43 Control g - 6 — 44 ```

Question 31

Benefits of loftus and palmers study

Answer 31

G - R- lab ex, scientific, standardised, support A - courtroom evidence, raised awareness V- high validity as shows casual relationship E- informed consent, no deception, confidential

Question 32

Weaknesses of loftus and palmers study

Answer 32

G - not generalisable, students, volunteer R - some study’s against A V - low ecological & population validity E - lack of valid content, could be distressing

Question 33

Classic study of the cognitive approach

Answer 33

Reliability of eye witness testimony

Question 34

What are the 4 sections to refer to within the cognitive debate

Answer 34

Post event info Crimes are emotive Child witnesses Memory is reconstructive

Question 35

Strengths of the cognitive approach

Answer 35

``` N - U- useful influences, ie CBT, understanding child development, memory research R D S - scientific ```

Question 36

Weaknesses of the cognitive approach

Answer 36

N - nature and nurture underestimated, ignores genes + sociocultural factors U R - reductionist, to mechanistic pov. Ignores social & emotional factors D- deterministic, schemas determine interpretation S