evaluation of the cognitive approach

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

  Strengths:

  • uses a scientific method to measure internal mental processes (more objective and controlled than previous methods) –> Temporal Validity (got more accurate over time)
  • led to improvements in society (cognitive neuroscience and cognitive behavioural therapy) –> Application

  Weaknesses:

  • oversimplifies behaviour (humans are more complex than computers (independence, emotions, motivations), human make mistakes, computers don’t) –> Validity