cognitive approach

• assumptions:

  • internal mental processes should be studied scientifically - memory, perception + thinking
  • processes private/internal + observed directly so inferences can be made
• schema + top down processing:

  • see what we expect to see - ignore repeated words 'the the'
  • see shapes because we know they exist
• role of schema:

  • process lots of info quickly + useful mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed - may distort interpretations of sensory info leading to errors e.g prejudice
  • cognitive processing can be affected by beliefs/expectations
  • as we age becomes more detailed + sophisticated
• theoretical + computer models:

  • abstract = multi store model
  • computer models - concrete = thinking machines + AI
• emergence of cognitive neuroscience:

  • study of brain structure + mental processes
  • advances due to brain imaging techniques - used to observe + describe neurological basis of mental processes
• emergence of cognitive neuroscience pt2:

  • useful for establishing basis of some mental disorders
  • recent expansions - computer generated models designed to read the brain, 'brain fingerprinting'
• EVALUATION: scientific basis

  • cognitive psychs use controlled + rigorous methods of study - lab studies produce reliable + objective data
  • emergence of neuroscience enabled bio + cognitive psych to enhance scientific basis of study
  • study of mind has credible basis
• EVALUATION: machine reductionism

  • similarities between mind + operations of computers - analogy criticised by many
  • ignores influence of human emotion + motivation - how it affects ability to process info
  • may weaken validity