Cognitive

• The assumptions of the cognitive approach are that the mind actively processes sensory information and that between stimulus and response are complex mental processes which can involve schema. The human mind is similar to a computer and inferences can be made about our thought processes.
• A schema is a mental representation of experience and knowledge and understanding. Schemas come from what our parents/society teach us. They can be useful in helping to make predictions and understand new concepts but can also lead to false assumptions based on prejudice.
• The cognitive approach uses theoretical models to represent internal mental processes. For example, the working memory model. These help psychologists understand concepts and make predictions.
• The cognitive approach uses computer models where the mind is compared to a computer. The process of this analogy is:

  • input from the environment reaches a central processing unit (the brain)
  • Processing occurs. Coding and stores are used to hold information.
  • A final resulting output of behaviour.
• Computer models can be ineffective as they do not factor in the limited memory, emotional and motivational factors of the human mind.
• Both theoretical and computer models allow for the testing of internal mental processes that cannot be studied directly.
• Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of neurological structures. Methods used for it are lesion studies (creating brain damage), case studies of brain damage, and neuroimaging. It adds to the scientific credibility of the cognitive approach because it generates empirical, lab-based evidence that is objective.
• An example of cognitive neuroscience is Bunge's use of brain scans. Participant's brains were scanned whilst completing tasks at the same time or one after the other. The increased overall brain activity in the first condition provided support for the central executive aspect of the Working Memory Model.
• evaluation of approach to treatment: Cognitive behavioural theory is the most commonly used therapy by the NHS. It's focus is achieving goals and changing thought and behaviour patterns. Whilst it still requires effort and motivation on the half of the patient, it is far less expert intensive and time-consuming that psychoanalysis.
• Cognitive lab research is scientific as there is a large amount of control over variables which helps to establish a cause and effect relationship. However it typically lacks ecological validity due to artificial stimulus materials which means results are not generalisable to people's real lives
• The cognitive approach is highly nomothetic as it tries to make laws and generalisations that apply to many people. This is a weakness as it ignores individual differences and circumstances.
• The applications of the cognitive approach are positive as it can be used to identify early signs of cognitive issues which leads to earlier intervention and better outcomes. It can also be used to tast theories about mental processes.