cognitive approach

• what is the main assumption of the cognitive approach?

  mind operates in a similar way to how a computer processes information
• how does cognitive processing take place?

  thoughts using cognitive models
• give examples of cognitions

  • memory
  • perception
  • problem-solving
• how can cognitions be studied?

  indirectly through experiments
• what are the main two principles of the cognitive approach?

  1. theoretical and computer models
  2. schemas
• outline theoretical models

  mind processes information in a systematic way
• provide an example of a theoretical model

  multi-store model of memory
• explain what computer models suggests

  mind works like a computer

  • turning information into a format in which it can be stored
• define schema

  packages of information relating to various concepts to do with the way the world works
• give some examples of schemas

  • gender behaviours
  • eating
  • catching the bus
• how do schemas develop?

  through experience

  • starting as a basic in infanthood
  • get more complex as brain develops and knowledge is gained
• explain a reason as to why schemas are useful

  mental shortcuts to helps humans make sense of the world more easily
• why are schemas not useful?

  lead to distortions if a person's expectations don't match up with reality
• what is cognitive neuroscience?

  study of how brain structures and biology affect mental processes
• outline what cognitive neuroscience provides

  brain areas associated with particular actions, moods and emotions
• what technique does cognitive neuroscience use?

  brain scanning
• give an example of results from cognitive neuroscience

  broca's area in the frontal lobe has been linked with speech production
• what is the parahippocampal gyrus linked with?

  OCD
• what does cognitive neuroscience suggest?

  aspects of people's thought processes have a physical basis
• evaluate the cognitive approach

  • uses controlled, rigorous scientific procedures, increasing credibility

  
  

  • criticised for reducing human personality and behaviour to level of a computer, neglects role of emotions, machine reductionism

  
  

  • many concepts are difficult to test, considers internal mental processes which can't be directly measured, unaware about accuracy