cognitive approach

• assumptions

  -we all have internal mental processes that mediate between stimulus and response (memory, perception, thinking) - these should be studied scientifically

  -human minds and computers are alike

  -humans are 'data processing systems/machines'

  -everyone has schemas
• internal mental processes

  Internal mental processes are not physical, observable things so cognitive psychologists need to make inferences to measure them.
• inferences

  A conclusion is drawn about internal processes based on observable behaviours. Inferences can be subjective are are therefore not scientific.
• What are schemas and are they always good?

  Schemas are mental packages of information - we have schemas about everything we know. Schemas are also mental short-cuts which help us interpret new information and stop us from getting overwhelmed.

  Schemas are not always a good thing - they could led to errors in perception and can also influence us to stereotype (we base new information on what we already know).
• Innate schemas & development of schemas

  Some schemas are innate but as we grow/develop these schemas change. We also create new schemas as we grow and have more experiences. The older we get the more sophisticated our schemas become.
• theoretical models

  Theoretical models are visual representations of complex internal processes.
• information processing model

  stimulus -> input -> storage -> output -> response

  
  

  example:

  input = getting a detention

  storage = realising you didn't do the work you were told to

  output = doing the work next time
• computer model

  input -> via a central processing unit -> the brain

  coding -> via 1s and 0s (binary) -> images, words

  storage -> via hard-drive/ RAM -> long-term+working memory

  output -> sounds, visual, data -> actions, behaviours, emotions

  (1st + 2nd section = computer; 1st + 3rd section = human)
• cognitive neuroscience - development

  Cognitive neuroscience developed from the cognitive approach and the biological approach. Cognitive neuroscience looks at how brain structures influences mental processes. To do this they use brain scanning techniques (highly objective).
• evaluations of the cognitive approach (AO3)

  Strength(s):

  -the use of scientific methods. Research that supports the cognitive approach took place in a lab setting.

  
  

  weakness(es):

  -research that supports the cognitive approach relies on inferences. Inferences are subjective - lack of ecological validity.

  -computer models oversimplify behaviour. They do not account for the complex emotional and motivational processes humans have.