Cognitive A01

• Cognitive approach views


  Internal Mental processes should be studied scientifically . Things like memory,perceptions and thinking neglected by behaviorists.
• Theoretical Models

  Information processing approach, suggests that info flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages that include input storage and retrieval
• Computer Models


  Mind is compared to a computer (computer analogy) - suggest there is a central processing unit (brain), concept of coding (turn info into useable format) and stores to hold info. useful in development of AI and thinking machines
• Schema


  'packages' of ideas and information developed through experience; mental framework for interpretation of incoming information received by Cognitive system.
• Baby Schema

  Born with simple motor schema for innate behaviours: sucking and grasping. As we get older, our schema gets more detailed and sophisticated.
• Adult schema

  Have a mental representation for everything. Schema helps us process lots of info at once, short cut at preventing us from being overwhelmed by environment stimuli.
• Perceptual Errors


  Schema can distort our interpretations of sensory info leading to perceptual errors
• Paul Broca


  Discovered damage to left frontal lobe could prematurely impair speech production
• fMRI and PET scans

  Due to fMRI and PET scans, scientists have been able to systematically observe and describe neurological mental processes.
• Tulving et al

  Neuroimaging - different types of memory stored in different parts of the brain - asked pps to perform different memory tasks while brains were scanned. Episodic and semantic - prefrontal cortex (one on each side of the brain)
• Braver et al


  Gave participants tasks that involved the central executive while they were having a brain scan. Activity in the area increased as the task became harder.
• OCD and Parahippocampal gyrus

  Link between OCD and Parahippocampal gyrus appearing to play a role in processing unpleasant emotions.
• Computer-generated models

  Increase use of computer-generated models to read the brain. Led to 'brain fingerprinting' . E.g: analysing brain patterns of eyewitnesses to see if they're lying in court.