the cognitive approach

Cards (52)

  • What is a similarity between a phone and a human brain?
    Both have inputs and outputs for processing information.
  • How do the inputs of a phone compare to those of a human?
    A phone has a camera and microphone, while a human has eyes and ears.
  • What is the physical component of a phone that processes information?
    The CPU (central processing unit).
  • What is the role of the brain in comparison to a phone's CPU?
    The brain processes information similarly to how a CPU does in a phone.
  • If you were asked to identify the YouTube part of a phone after smashing it, what would your response likely be?
    You would likely think it is an insane question because YouTube is a program, not a physical part.
  • How do cognitive psychologists view the brain's functions?
    They explain it through internal mental processes similar to computer programs.
  • 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.
  • What is a common area of research for cognitive psychologists?
    Memory.
  • Why do cognitive psychologists conduct highly controlled experiments?
    To ensure high internal validity in their research.
  • What is a limitation of studying internal mental processes?
    They cannot be directly observed, requiring inferences.
  • What is Miller's classic research study about?
    It discusses the capacity of short-term memory, which is about seven items plus or minus two.
  • If a participant recalls between five and nine numbers in a memory test, what can be inferred?
    That the storage capacity of short-term memory is likely seven items plus or minus two.
  • What is a schema?
    A schema is a mental framework built from previous experiences about a concept or object.
  • How do schemas help us navigate the world?
    They allow us to quickly understand and categorize information.
  • What is a disadvantage of relying on schemas?
    They can lead to inaccurate recall and biases in memory.
  • How can leading questions affect eyewitness testimony?
    They can alter a person's memory of an event.
  • Who conducted research on the effects of leading questions on memory recall?
    Loftus.
  • What is the negative triad in cognitive psychology?
    It includes negative schemas about oneself, the world, and the future.
  • What is the difference between a computer model and a theoretical model in cognitive psychology?
    A computer model compares the brain to a CPU, while a theoretical model describes mental processes in flowchart form.
  • What is machine reductionism?
    It is the criticism that the human brain is more complex than a computer.
  • What is the multi-store model of memory?
    It is a theoretical model showing how information passes through short-term and long-term memory.
  • How does cognitive neuroscience relate to cognitive psychology?
    Cognitive neuroscience studies the neurological structures and processes related to mental functions.
  • What technology allows researchers to observe brain activity during cognitive tasks?
    Brain scanning techniques like PET and fMRI scanners.
  • What did Tan's case reveal about brain function?
    It confirmed that Broca's area is involved in speech production.
  • What is a limitation of cognitive psychology's research methods?
    Many studies are highly artificial and may not generalize to real-life situations.
  • How has the understanding of schemas influenced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
    CBT helps clients change negative schemas to improve their thinking patterns.
  • What is soft determinism in cognitive psychology?
    It is the belief that behavior has biological and environmental causes, but individuals can make choices.
  • What is the role of cognitive psychology in understanding memory disorders?
    It helps develop treatments for neurological language and memory disorders.
  • How does cognitive psychology contribute to the understanding of eyewitness testimony?
    It informs juries about the limitations of memory recall influenced by schemas.
  • What is the significance of the relationship between cognitive and biological processes?
    It allows for a deeper understanding of how mental processes are linked to brain function.
  • What is the purpose of theoretical models in cognitive psychology?
    They create testable theories about mental processes.
  • What is the main focus of cognitive neuroscience?
    To study the relationship between cognitive processes and brain structures.
  • How do cognitive psychologists view the role of thought processes?
    They believe thought processes allow individuals to make final decisions and control behavior.
  • How does cognitive psychology empower clients in therapy?
    It provides tools for clients to change their thinking patterns actively.
  • What is the role of schemas in predicting future events?
    Schemas allow us to make predictions based on past experiences.
  • What is the impact of faulty schemas on mental health?
    They can lead to issues such as depression and distorted thinking.
  • How does cognitive psychology differ from behaviorism in terms of scientific approach?
    Cognitive psychology relies on inferences about internal processes, while behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors.
  • What is the significance of the research conducted by cognitive psychologists?
    It provides insights into mental processes that cannot be studied by other approaches.
  • What is the main advantage of using schemas?
    They allow us to process information quickly and efficiently.
  • How do schemas function as mental shortcuts?
    They help us quickly categorize and respond to situations based on past experiences.