Cognitive approach

• assumptions:

  • mind is actively processing info from our senses
  • between stimulus and response are complex mental processes that can be studies scientifically
  • humans can be seen as processing systems
  • the workings of a computer and the human mind are alike- encode and store info and have outputs
• Computer analogy

  • comparison of the mind and a computer

  input= take info from our senses

  processing= store or change the info/ making sense of it

  output= behave in a certain way
• Theoretical models

  • depict a series of stages to explain the process of a mental process
  • e.g. multi-store model of memory or WMM
• Inference= process where psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate based on the basis of observed behaviour

  • going beyond the immediate evidence to make assumptions that cannot be directly observed
• Role of schema

  schema= internal script /packages of info that are developed through experience

  • act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming info
  • like stereotypes that alter incoming info
  • born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours such as sucking and grabbing, as we grow up these become more detailed and sophisticated
  • enable us to process info more quickly as they prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
  • can distort our interpretation of sensory info leading to perceptual error
• cognitive neuroscience= study of biological structures that underpin mental processes

  • studying brain damaged patients led to localisation of function
  • advances in brain scanning techniques -> systematically observe and describe neurological basis of mental processes and mental disorders
  • use of computer-generated models that 'read' the brain meant a development in brain scanning techniques such as 'brain fingerprinting'.
  • this can be used to determine if eyewitness testimonies are lying in court by analysing their brain wave patterns
• EVAL

  😔machine reductionist

  • similarities between the brain and computer have gone too far
  • ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on cognitive processses
  • not truly plausible explanation

  😃scientific approach

  • highly controlled and systematic methods of investigation
  • e.g. WM is studies carefully in lab setting -> high internal validity