AO3 NEW

• How do cognitive psychologists study internal processes if they cannot be observed?

  Study them indirectly by making inferences
• How are computer models used?

  The mind is compared to a computer by suggesting there are similarities in the way information is processed
• Computer models use the concepts of a central processing unit (the brain), the concept of coding (to turn information into a useable format) and the use of ‘stores’ to hold information.
• How are schemas generated?

  Experience. They become more sophisticated through time
• As schemas can act as a mental framework, it provides us with ’mental shortcuts’ so we can process large volumes of data quickly and efficiently, thus avoiding sensory overload
• Examples of brain imaging techniques

  fMRI and PET scans
• What has advances in brain imaging techniques allowed scientists to do?

  Systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes
• One strength of the cognitive approach is that it uses objective scientific methods. Highly controlled and rigorous methods of study are used so researchers are able to infer cognitive processes. This has involved the use of lab studies to produce reliable objective data
• The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enabled the two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together to enhance scientific basis of study. This means study of the mind has a credible scientific basis
• What is a counterpoint to cognitive psychology being scientific and credible?

  As cognitive psychology relies on the inference of mental processes, rather than direct observation of behaviour, it can occasionally suffer from being too abstract and theoretical in nature.
• Research studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli that may not represent everyday experience, therefore lacking external validity
• The cognitive approach as real world application

  Likely the dominant approach in psychology today and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts. For example, important contribution in the field of artificial intelligence. Has also been applied to treatment of depression
• The cognitive approach is machine reductionist


  The computer analogy as been criticised as it ignores influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, and how this affects out ability to process information. For example, impact of anxiety on human memory (eyewitness testimonies)
• The cognitive approach is founded in soft determinism. The view that human behaviour may be determined by internal and external factors but we can also exert out free will at times