Cognitive approach

• Background of cognitive psychology- 


  -1960's saw cognitive revolution with introduction of computers

  -Human mind was described in the same terms that we describe a computer and that humans are information processors

  -This is the study of mental processes such as "attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity and thinking"
• • Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mind and internal mental processes, including learning, memory, attention, perception, reasoning, language, conceptual development and decision making.

  -The modern study of cognition rests on the premise that the brain can be understood as a complex computing system.
• These internal mental processes are private and can not be observed, so cognitive psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences
• Define inferences- 


  The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on basis of observed behaviour
• Basic assumptions of cognitive approach- 


  -Thought processes can and should be studied scientifically, this approach feels that introspection is not scientific

  -The mind works like a computer in that it has input from the senses which it then processes to produce output such as language and specific behaviours

  -Stimulus and response are appropriate but only if the thought processes that occur between between stimulus and response are acknowledged
• Computer model- 


  -Information is input through the senses, encoded into memory and then combined with previously stored information to complete a task. A computer is a good analogy for this

  -Information is stored on the hard disc, which is like long term memory. Random access memory (RAM) is likened to short term memory, which is reset and cleared when the task is completed
• Define the term schema - 


  Mental structure containing all the information we have on one aspect of the world shaped by past experiences
• Role of schema- 


  -Allow us to make shortcuts, however schemas can also cause us to make errors and exclude anything that doesn't confirm our preconceived ideas about the world.

  -Can cause us to use stereotypes that are difficult to disconfirm even when faced with new and conflicting information
• Theoretical models - 


  -Used because it simplifies complex processes; it turns abstract concept into concrete form, and it provides a framework for research

  -These models are often pictorial with boxes and arrows and are updated and changed often
• Strength (Research)- 


  -Its scientific, use of laboratory studies is objective, systematic and replicable

  -Means that researchers are able to draw conclusions about how the mind works.

  -Cognitive psychology has made important contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and development of robots

  -Therefore, cognitive approach has made a positive contribution in field of psychology, had a positive impact on lives of many.
• Strength (Scans)-

  -Allowed us to collect evidence using fMRI and PET scanning, which help us to understand the underlying neural basis of cognitive functions

  -This has led to quicker diagnosis of issues and more effective treatments

  -Therefore, cognitive approach has made a positive contribution to our understanding of human behaviour
• Strength(Theoretical models)- 


  -Theoretical models have helped to clarify our understanding of human cognition and have progressively improved over time

  -However, many models may have been over simplified of complex processes and lacks validity

  -Although cognitive approach may tell us HOW different cognitive processes take place not WHY

  -Role of motivation and emotion are ignored. Factors may be irrelevant to a computer but not to human (machine reductionism)
• Define the term machine reductionism - 


  Humans are 'reduced' to processors of information. This leads to 'machine reductionism' the belief that humans functions are the result of the 'units' of activity in information processing systems, such as memory stores
• Limitation of computer model (Mistakes)- 


  -Computers do not make mistakes, nor do they ignore available information or forget things. Humans do all these things

  -However, Newell+Simon (1972) stated that whilst computers are better at remembering they are inferior at planning future moves

  -This is turn led to an improvement in computer models of problem solving behaviour
• In Support (Research)- 


  -There is research to support the role of schemas, for example Bartlett (1932) used an unfamiliar Native American called 'War of the Ghosts' to show that people use their own schemas to help interpret and remember world around them

  -However, research has been criticised for over stating the role of schemas and it argued that the idea of a mental framework is difficult to test