Cognitive

• Assumptions

  -> Our behaviour is governed by our internal mental processses.
• Interferences: Going beyond the evidence of the study to make assumptions of the mental processes we cannot directly observe.
• Computer analogy

  • Using computers to explain how our brains work
  • We are given an input and then our brains process the information and produce an output in the form of a behavioral response.
• Schema: Organised packages of knowledge built through experience which help us process and interpret the world -> can cause false stereotypes.
• Cognitive Neuroscience

  • The study of how biological processes and structures might influence our thoughts
  • Made possible with the advances of technology, allowing us to map out which area of the brain does what.
• Evaluation

  Strenghts:

  • Lab experiments uses highly controlled methods to produce reliable data
  • Soft determinism: We are allowed how we wish to respond when given a stimulus. We all have different schemas
• Evaluation

  Weakness

  • Lab experiments uses artificial stimuli -> Low ecological validity
  • Machine Reductionism -> Ignores the infulence of emotions and motivation