Cognitive approach

• What does the cognitive approach argue in contrast to behaviourism?


  The cognitive approach argues that unobservable mental processes can be studied scientifically
• How do cognitive psychologists study mental processes?


  Cognitive psychologists study mental processes indirectly through observable behavior
• What do cognitive psychologists infer from observable behavior?


  They make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be observed directly
• What does the inability to perform two visual tasks simultaneously suggest?


  It suggests that we have a limited capacity for processing visual information
• What are theoretical models in cognitive psychology?


  • Simplified representations of mental processes
  • Based on research evidence
  • Often represented by boxes and arrows
  • Frequently updated and refined
• What are two examples of theoretical models in cognitive psychology?

  The multi-store model of memory and the working memory model
• How does the cognitive approach use computer models?


  • Represents mental processes
  • Suggests the mind works like a computer
  • Involves input, coding, processing, storage, and output
• What is the computer analogy in cognitive psychology?


  The analogy that the mind works similarly to a computer
• What are schemas according to the cognitive approach?


  Schemas are packages of information and ideas developed through experience
• How do schemas affect our behavior?


  Schemas act as a framework for interpreting incoming information
• What is a benefit of schemas in cognitive processing?


  Schemas enable us to take shortcuts in thinking and process information quickly
• What is a potential drawback of schemas?


  Schemas may cause us to exclude important information and confirm pre-existing beliefs
• What is cognitive neuroscience?


  Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes
• What recent advancements have aided cognitive neuroscience?


  Advances in brain imaging techniques such as fMRI
• What did Tulving et al. (1994) demonstrate about long-term memory?


  Different types of long-term memory may be located on opposite sides of the pre-frontal cortex
• What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?


  • Employs highly controlled and rigorous methods
  • Collects reliable and objective data
  • Establishes a credible scientific basis
  • Has many applications, such as in treating psychological disorders
• How has cognitive neuroscience strengthened the cognitive approach?


  It has enabled cognitive and biological psychology to come together
• What is a weakness of research on mental processes?

  It often lacks ecological validity due to artificial stimuli
• Why has the computer analogy been criticized?


  It ignores the influence of human emotion on information processing
• How does emotion affect human memory?


  Human memory is affected by emotional factors such as anxiety
• What does the criticism of the computer analogy suggest about its validity?


  It may be over-simplistic as it does not account for emotional influences
• What is one strength of the cognitive approach?

  • Employs highly controlled + rigorous methods of study.
  • Psychs collect reliable data,
  • Reach accurate conclusions abt mental processes.
  • Emergence cognitive neuroscience enabled cognitive + biological psychology to come together. 
  • Established credible scientific basis.
• What is another strength of the cognitive approach? 


  Many applications. Suggests many psych disorders can be traced back to faulty + irrational thinking. Led to the development of successful treatments such as CBT (individuals are encouraged to dispute their irrational thoughts) Suggests cognitive approach - useful applications - real world. 
• What is a weakness of the cognitive approach

  Weakness = research on mental processes lacks validity. E.g, lab studies of mental processes often carried out using artificial stimuli - may not represent everyday experiences. Suggests research on mental processes may lack ecological validity. 
• What is a weakness of the cognitive approach

  Computer analogy criticised by many. Bc ignores influence of human emotion on our ability to process info. E.g research found that human memory affected by emotional factors e.g anxiety. Suggests the computer analogy may be over-simplistic, as although emotion irrelevant to a computer, IS relevant to a HUMAN being.