5.3.1 The Study of Internal Mental Processes

• Why are internal mental processes considered private?

  They cannot be directly seen by others
• What are the key components of cognitive psychology?

  • Understanding brain information processing
  • Focus on internal mental processes
  • Examples include thinking, remembering, problem-solving
• What are the key differences between internal mental processes and observable behavior?

  • Internal Mental Processes:
  • Hidden cognitive activities within the brain
  • Examples: Planning a weekend trip
  • Measured through cognitive tasks, surveys
  • Private and not directly observable

  
  

  • Observable Behavior:
  • Visible actions or responses
  • Examples: Booking flights online
  • Measured through direct observation, activity tracking
  • Public and can be observed by others
• What is perception?

  How you interpret sensory information from your surroundings
• If a researcher wants to study the effect of a new teaching method on student performance, which research design would be more appropriate?

  True experimental design would be more appropriate, as it allows for random assignment of students to control and experimental groups.
• What is the definition of cognitive psychology?

  Cognitive psychology studies how the brain processes information.
• Why does true experimental design have higher internal validity compared to quasi-experimental design?

  True experimental design has higher internal validity due to randomization and control, while quasi-experimental design has lower internal validity due to lack of randomization.
• What is decision-making?

  Choosing between different options
• What is the key difference between true experimental design and quasi-experimental design in terms of random assignment?

  True experimental design involves random assignment of participants to groups, while quasi-experimental design does not involve random assignment.
• What is the definition and relevance of decision-making?

  • Definition: Choosing between different options
  • Example: Selecting a university to apply to
  • Relevance: Planning your weekly schedule
• What are the key internal mental processes to know?

  Memory, attention, perception, problem-solving, decision-making
• How do internal mental processes and observable behavior differ in terms of visibility?

  Internal processes are private; behaviors are public
• How is observable behavior measured?

  Direct observation and activity tracking
• What does memory involve?

  Remembering facts, dates, or personal experiences
• How is attention defined?

  Focusing on important information while ignoring distractions
• What is observable behavior?

  Actions that can be seen and measured
• What is the central focus of cognitive psychology?

  It focuses on internal mental processes.
• What are internal mental processes?

  Hidden activities inside the brain
• What is a disadvantage of true experimental designs?

  May be less realistic
• What are the advantages of true experimental designs?

  Higher control and validity
• What are the internal mental processes mentioned in the study material?

  Memory, attention, perception, problem-solving, decision-making
• What does problem-solving entail?

  Finding solutions to challenges or obstacles
• What are the typical uses of true experimental design and quasi-experimental design?

  • True experimental design is typically used for experimental research requiring high control, such as laboratory experiments.
  • Quasi-experimental design is typically used for research where random assignment is impractical, such as field studies.
• What is the definition and relevance of memory?

  • Definition: Storing and retrieving information
  • Example: Remembering your best friend's birthday
  • Relevance: Recalling information for exams
• When driving, which internal mental process helps you interpret road signs?

  Perception
• What is the significance of problem-solving in daily activities?

  • Resolving challenges
  • Example: Finding the fastest route to school
• How does perception assist individuals in daily life?

  • Understanding surroundings
  • Example: Interpreting road signs while driving
• How does problem-solving relate to decision-making in daily life?

  Problem-solving leads to informed decision-making
• What are the key differences between true experimental design and quasi-experimental design in terms of experimental groups?

  • True experimental design includes a control group and one or more experimental groups.
  • Quasi-experimental design may or may not include a control group.
• How does decision-making impact daily life?

  • Making informed choices
  • Example: Deciding whether to take a part-time job
• What role does attention play in daily activities?

  • Focusing on tasks
  • Example: Concentrating during a group project meeting
• How do memory and attention work together in daily activities?

  Memory aids recall while attention focuses on tasks
• What is the definition and relevance of perception?

  • Definition: Interpreting sensory information
  • Example: Understanding what you see and hear
  • Relevance: Reading maps to navigate
• How does a quasi-experiment differ from a true experiment in terms of participant groups?

  Quasi-experiments use existing groups
• What are the key differences between true experimental design and quasi-experimental design in terms of control over variables and ethical considerations?

  • True experimental design has higher control over independent and extraneous variables, while quasi-experimental design has less control.
  • True experimental design has stricter ethical standards, while quasi-experimental design may have fewer ethical concerns.
• What are the two main experimental designs used to study internal mental processes?

  True and Quasi
• What is the definition and relevance of attention?

  • Definition: Focusing on relevant stimuli
  • Example: Concentrating during a lecture
  • Relevance: Avoiding distractions while studying
• What is a disadvantage of quasi-experimental designs?

  Less experimental control
• What are the key differences between true experimental design and quasi-experimental design in terms of external validity?

  • True experimental design can have high external validity, depending on how representative the sample is.
  • Quasi-experimental design often has higher external validity if conducted in real-world settings.
• What are the advantages of quasi-experimental designs?

  Offer real-world insights