Cognitive

• What are the key assumptions of the cognitive approach?

  • internal processes can and should be studied scientifically
  • use experimental procedures to study the mind
  • study internal processes indirectly via inference
  • the mind is similar to a computer and humans are seen as information processors
• How did cognitive psychologists expand on behaviourist ideas?

  They believed that there had to be thought processes in between the stimulus-response idea which had to be studied scientifically. This contrasts behaviourism
• Draw the computer model.

  Computer system:

  Info in via keyboard -> computer processor -> info output to monitor

  
  

  Human system:

  Info in from world via senses -> brain -> info passed out for action
• What are the differences between a computer an a human?

  • humans are influenced by emotional/motivational factors
  • humans have an unlimited but unreliable memory, computers have a limited but reliable memory
  • humans have free will
• Give two examples of theoretical models that can be used to describe mental process.

  1. Multi-store model of memory
  2. Ellis's ABC model of depression
• Define schema.

  Packages of information developed through experience which act like mental framework to interpret incoming information to be able to respond appropriately and help prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by stimuli from the environment.
• What is a problem with schema's?

  May distort interpretations, leading to perceptual errors
• Define assimilation.

  Information is consistent with a current schema and causes it to strengthen
• Define accomodation.

  Information is inconsistent with a current schema so it has to change to accomodate this new information
• Define role schema.

  Ideas about behaviour which is expected from someone in a certain role or situation
• Define event schema

  'scripts' - contain information about what happens in a situation
• Define self schema.

  Information about ourselves and how to act
• What is cognitive neuroscience?

  The scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes - mapping brain areas to specific cognitive functions
• What techniques are used in cognitive neuroscience?

  • fMRI and PET scans - used to observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes