cognitive approach

Cards (10)

  • assumptions
    mental processes determine behaviour
    mental processes: memory, perception, language, problem solving
  • cognitive psychology
    examines processes that take place between the input or information into the brain
  • the approach uses human computer analogy
    likening the processing in a human mind to the processing in a computer
  • theoretical models
    created to identify the stages involved in information processing
    diagrams with depict the steps involved in an internal mental process
    example: multi store model
  • computer models
    Newel and Simon 1972
    developed computer programme, 'general problem solver'
    asked people to solve problems whilst thinking out loud
    used these verbal reports to decide what general strategy was used on each problem
    programmed the general problem solver to solve a wide range of problems
  • role of inference
    cognitive processes cannot be directly observed- theories are generated from experimental evidence
    psychologists will measure some kind of behaviour and will then infer what mental processes occurred that led to that behaviour
    main research method- laboratory experiment
  • role of schema
    mental structures that contain our knowledge about something
    develop as a result of our experiences
    allows us to process new information more quickly- interpret a new situation based on the knowledge in our schema
    can lead to inaccuracies in perception/ memory as people may interpret new information incorrectly based on their expectations
  • cognitive neuroscience
    Miller and Gazzaniga
    combination of cognitive psychology and neuroscience
    study of brain structures and the cognitive processes they perform
    investigates which brain structures are responsible for each cognitive process
    understanding was developed through case studies of brain damaged patients
  • strengths
    useful application- techniques to improve memory and CBT therapy
    better understanding of human behaviour
    acknowledges complexity of behaviour
    scientific- relies on highly controlled lab experiments
    less deterministic
  • weaknesses
    reliance on inference is problematic- mental processes can't be observed- inferences may not be correct
    over mechanistic view of behaviour- underestimates role of emotion