Cognitive Approach

• the cognitive approach is the study of internal mental processes
• Schema is a mental structure which contains knowledge based on experience, it organises information and acts as a guide to behaviour
• Assumption 1:

  behaviour is influenced by thoughts that can be both conscious and non conscious
• the human mind is an information processor, like a computer
• cognitive scientists believe internal mental behaviour can be scientifically studied, they assume that mediational processes occur between stimulus and response
• cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of how biological structures of the brain and mental processes influence each other
• cogntive neuroscience aims to explore the neurobiological basis of thought processes and disorders
• cognitive neuroscience has emerged with improvements in technology
• cognitive neuroscience has provided a neurobiological basis of certain psychological disorders
• cognitive neuroscience demonstrates the role of experience in shaping the brain showing biology is not destiny
• Neuroscience can be used to detect cognitive problems before they ar behaviourally observable, early identification for cognitive problems prior to observable behaviour has provided potential for early intervention