Cognitive approach

• What does the cognitive approach argue about behavior?

  Behavior is caused by how we process information/stimuli in the world around us.
• Why do differences in behavior occur according to the cognitive approach?

  Differences in behavior are due to differences in how stimuli is processed.
• How do cognitive psychologists compare the mind to a computer?

  Cognitive psychologists believe the mind receives information, processes it, and produces an output like a computer.
• What happens when we witness an accident according to the cognitive approach?

  We receive information through our senses, process it using cognitions, and produce an output as our testimony.
• What do cognitive psychologists infer about mental processes?

  Cognitive psychologists make inferences about mental processes based on observable behavior.
• What are 'schemas' in the cognitive approach?

  Schemas are mental representations of incoming information based on our experiences.
• How do schemas help us interpret the world?

  Schemas help us quickly interpret the world around us.
• What is a potential downside of using schemas?

  Schemas can lead to misunderstandings based on previous experiences.
• What is cognitive neuroscience?

  Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes.
• How do scientists measure the neurological basis of mental processing?

  Scientists use brain scans like fMRI to measure neurological processes.
• What has research into memory linked to the pre-frontal cortex?

  Research has linked episodic memories to the right side and semantic memories to the left side of the pre-frontal cortex.
• What is a limitation of the biological approach mentioned in the cognitive approach?

  The biological approach is biologically deterministic and argues there is no free will.
• How does the biological approach view behaviors like aggression?

  It views them as caused by biological factors outside of our control.
• Why is the biological approach considered a weakness in terms of responsibility?

  It removes responsibility for people's actions by attributing them to biological factors.
• What is a strength of the cognitive approach regarding treatment?

  It has led to useful applications like CBT for treating mental illnesses.
• How does CBT help patients with depression?

  CBT challenges negative, irrational thinking and reframes it to be more positive.
• What is a criticism of the cognitive approach regarding its analogy with computers?

  It has been accused of being machine reductionist, oversimplifying human complexity.
• What is a benefit of using CBT over the biological approach?

  CBT does not have side effects like drug treatments in the biological approach.
• How do human emotions influence cognitive processes according to the cognitive approach?

  Human motivation and emotion can influence the accuracy of recall.
• What is a limitation of research methods used in cognitive psychology?

  Research tends to be lab-based, lacking ecological validity.
• Why might lab-based research in cognitive psychology be considered artificial?

  It often uses digit spans or word lists, which do not reflect real-life situations.
• What is the implication of not recalling something in everyday life?

  In real life, there are consequences for not recalling information.
• How does cognitive neuroscience contribute to rehabilitation?

  It helps link specific types of memories to brain structures, aiding rehabilitation efforts.