Approaches: The cognitive approach (4)

• What does cognitive psychology focus on?


  Cognitive psychology focuses on how people perceive, store, manipulate, and interpret information.
• How do cognitive psychologists differ from behaviorists?


  Cognitive psychologists believe it is necessary to look at internal mental processes to understand behavior.
• What model does cognitive psychology often use to describe information processing?


  Cognitive psychology uses an information processing model.
• What are the key processes studied in cognitive psychology?


  Perception, memory, thinking, and problem solving.
• What computing metaphors are used in cognitive psychology?


  Encoding, processing, and retrieval.
• What does the cognitive approach study regarding information processing?


  The cognitive approach studies how we extract, store, and retrieve information that guides our behavior.
• What is attention in the context of cognitive processes?


  Attention is the process of selecting important information.
• How are mental processes studied in cognitive psychology?


  Mental processes are studied indirectly by inferring from measured behavior.
• What is a schema?


  A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information.
• How do schemas help us in daily life?


  Schemas allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting large amounts of information.
• What is a consequence of schemas in terms of stereotypes?


  Schemas can lead to the development of stereotypes that are difficult to disconfirm.
• What are theoretical models in cognitive psychology?


  Theoretical models are simplified representations of mental processes based on research evidence.
• What is one strength of the cognitive approach?


  The cognitive approach has many applications in other areas of psychology.
• How has the cognitive approach contributed to social psychology?


  It has helped psychologists understand how we interpret the actions of others.
• How has the cognitive approach been applied to psychopathology?


  It explains how dysfunctional behavior can be traced back to faulty thinking processes.
• What type of interventions have been developed from the cognitive approach?


  Cognitive-based interventions.
• Why is the scientific method a strength of the cognitive approach?


  It provides a rigorous method for collecting and evaluating evidence.
• How do computer models differ from human information processing?


  Humans can make mistakes and forget, while computers do not.
• What is a limitation of using computer models in cognitive psychology?


  They have limited explanatory powers regarding human thought and behavior.
• What aspect of human behavior does the cognitive approach largely ignore?


  The role of emotion and motivation.
• What is a criticism of many cognitive psychology studies?


  They often use tasks that have little in common with everyday experiences.
• What does ecological validity refer to in cognitive psychology research?


  Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings reflect real-life behaviors.
• What are the key terms related to the cognitive approach in psychology?

  • Cognitive: Relates to mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning.
  • Cognitive neuroscience: Studies the neural bases of cognitive functions.
  • Computer model: Uses computer analogies to represent human cognition.
  • Inference: Reaching a logical conclusion based on evidence.
  • Schema: A cognitive framework for organizing and interpreting information.
  • Theoretical models: Simplified representations of mental processes based on research evidence.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the cognitive approach in psychology?


  Strengths:

  • Many applications in various psychology fields.
  • Emphasis on scientific methods for evidence collection.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Ignores the role of emotion and motivation.
  • Studies may lack ecological validity.
• What should students consider when answering exam questions?

  • Consider the marks available for each question.
  • Write answers that match the marks (e.g., 1 minute per mark).
  • Avoid unnecessary detail for lower-mark questions.