Focuses on the perception, storage, manipulation, and interpretation of information. Investigating processes like perception, memory, thinking and problem solving.
What is the role of schema?
A schema is a cognitive framework that helps to organise or interpret information in the brain. Schemas help to make sense of new information.
What is a disadvantage of schemas?
They can lead to excluding information which doesn't conform to our pre-existing beliefs and ideas about the world.
What are theoretical models?
Are simplified representations of a particular mental process. Models are usually pictorial, with arrows, boxes to represent the flow and stages of a particular mental process such as memory.
Examples
MSM
WMM
What is a disadvantage to theoretical models?
They are often incomplete and informal. This means they can be frequently updated and changed. The episodic buffer was not added to the WMM until 2000.
What is the computer model?
This simply means the application of computer terms to the human brain (known as computer analogies to represent human thoughts/cognitions). The use of analogies has stemmed from the development of computers and computer processing, and focus on how sensory information is coded as it passes through the brain.
What are the strengths of Cognitive Approach?
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Application- treatments (cognitive behavioural therapy and schema therapy) eyewitness testimony
Scientific and objective- use of controlled and rigorous methods to research cognitive processes (involves lab experiments)
What are the weaknesses of Cognitive Approach?
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Scientific and objective- use controlled and rigorous methods to research cognitive processes: lacks ecological validity / generalisability
Inferences
Machine reductionism- although there are similarities between humans and computers, there are still many differences.