Cognitive approach

• What is a weakness of using computer models to explain human information encoding?

  They oversimplify complex mental processes
• What terms are borrowed from computing to explain the human mind?

  Storage and retrieval
• How do humans differ from computers in terms of information handling?

  Humans can forget and make mistakes
• Why is the approach to human cognition considered reductionist?

  It oversimplifies memory into computing terms
• What factors influence human memory that computers do not?

  Emotion and motivation
• What is the implication of computers not making mistakes?

  They do not ignore or forget information
• What does the term 'reductionist' imply in the context of cognitive approaches?

  It simplifies complex processes to basic terms
• How does the reductionist approach affect the understanding of memory?

  It limits the understanding of mental complexity
• strength os that is has real world application. The cognitive approach explains dysfunctional behaviour caused by faulty thinking processes.TMB explanation has helped psychologists create effective treatments that involve challenging irrational thinking such as CBT as research has shown it to be highly effective.Therefore approach is useful for improving lives as ir can change irrational thoughts into more rational ones.
• Strength of CA is psychologists use scientific methods.FE research into cognitive neuroscience have shown that if there is damage to broca‘s area this can lead to speech impairment.TMB lab experiments and brain scanning techniques allow psychologists to use experimental methods when collecting evidence in order to reach accurate conclusion about how mind works. Studies can establish a cause and effect relationships between variable.Therefore findings are high in validity as extraneous variables are controlled.