Cognitive Approach

• What is a phone essentially considered to be?

  A portable computer
• What is the physical component of a phone that processes information?

  The CPU (central processing unit)
• How do cognitive psychologists view the brain's functions?

  They explain it through internal mental processes
• What is cognitive neuroscience?

  A field studying the connection between cognitive processes and the brain's physical activity
• What are the defining characteristics of cognitive psychology?

  • Behavior results from internal mental processes
  • Research focuses on studying these processes
  • Common areas of research include attention, perception, and memory
• Why do cognitive psychologists conduct highly controlled experiments?

  To ensure control and high internal validity
• What is a limitation of studying internal mental processes?

  They cannot be directly observed
• What is Miller's classic research study about?

  The capacity of short-term memory
• What is the average storage capacity of short-term memory according to Miller?

  Seven items plus or minus two
• What is a schema?

  A mental framework built from previous experiences
• How do schemas help us navigate the world?

  They allow us to process information quickly
• What is a potential problem with relying on schemas?

  They can lead to inaccurate recall
• How can leading questions affect eyewitness testimony?

  They can alter memory recall
• Who conducted research on the effects of leading questions on memory recall?

  Loftus
• What is the negative triad in cognitive psychology according to Beck?

  Negative schemas about self, world, and future
• What are the two types of models used by cognitive psychologists?

  • Computer models: Compare brain processes to computer functions
  • Theoretical models: Flowchart representations of mental processes
• What is machine reductionism?

  The argument that the human brain is more complex than a computer
• What is the multi-store model of memory?

  A theoretical model describing how information flows through memory stages
• What is cognitive neuroscience?

  The study of the relationship between cognitive and biological processes
• What brain scanning techniques are mentioned in cognitive neuroscience?

  PET and fMRI scanners
• What did Tan's case reveal about brain function?

  It confirmed Broca's area as a location for speech production
• What is a criticism of cognitive psychology's research methods?

  Many studies are highly artificial and not generalizable to real life
• What are the real-life applications of cognitive psychology?

  • Development of CBT to change negative schemas
  • Informing juries about eyewitness testimony limitations
  • Treatments for neurological disorders
• What is soft determinism in cognitive psychology?

  It suggests behavior has biological and environmental causes but allows for individual control
• How does cognitive psychology empower clients in therapy?

  It gives clients tools to change their thinking patterns