The Study of Internal Mental Processes

• What mental processes are involved when planning a trip?

  • Gathering information
  • Weighing options
  • Deciding on a destination
• What does the cognitive approach in psychology focus on?

  Internal mental processes influencing behavior
• What is the cognitive approach primarily concerned with?

  Key mental processes
• How does problem-solving fit into the cognitive approach?

  It involves analyzing and deciding on solutions
• How do understanding cognitive processes help explain behavior?

  They clarify how people think and behave
• What does the information processing model compare our minds to?

  Computers
• How does the information processing model help us understand cognitive processes?

  • It illustrates how our brains take in information
  • It shows how we organize information
  • It explains how we use information
• What are the four key stages of the information processing model?

  1. Sensory Input
  2. Information Encoding
  3. Storage
  4. Retrieval
• What approach often uses computer analogies to understand the mind?

  Cognitive approach
• How does attention help in learning and decision-making?

  It helps prioritize what to process
• How do computer analogies help in the cognitive approach?

  They visualize how our minds process information
• What are the key similarities between computers and minds in the cognitive approach?

  • Input and Output: Both receive input and produce output
  • Storage: Both have memory systems for information
  • Processing: Both follow steps to handle data
• What does the retrieval stage involve?

  Accessing stored information when needed
• What does the storage stage involve?

  Storing the encoded information in memory
• What is the second stage of the information processing model?

  Information Encoding
• What does the sensory input stage involve?

  Receiving information through our senses
• How does the cognitive approach differ from other psychological approaches?

  It emphasizes internal processes over observable actions
• What occurs during the information encoding stage?

  Converting information into a format our brain can store
• What is the fourth stage of the information processing model?

  Retrieval
• What is the third stage of the information processing model?

  Storage
• What are the key mental processes studied in the cognitive approach?

  • Perception
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Language
• What can result from using divided attention?

  It can lead to mistakes
• What are the three stages of memory in the cognitive approach?

  1. Encoding
  2. Storage
  3. Retrieval
• How does the cognitive approach's view of memory align with the information processing model?

  Both focus on how information is processed and used
• How is information stored in memory?

  Like saving files on a computer
• What happens during the encoding stage of memory?

  Your brain converts information into a storable format
• What does perception involve in the cognitive approach?

  Interpreting sensory information
• What does language encompass in the cognitive approach?

  Using and understanding spoken and written words
• How does the cognitive approach differ from observing behavior?

  It studies internal brain processes instead
• What is the first stage of the information processing model?

  Sensory Input
• What are the key differences between computers and minds?

  • Complexity: Minds are more intricate and adaptable
  • Emotional Capacity: Minds are influenced by emotions
  • Adaptability: Minds learn and adjust naturally
• How does selective attention function during a test?

  Focus on questions while blocking out noise
• What does the cognitive approach examine when solving a problem?

  The steps involved in thinking through the problem
• How does the cognitive approach view the mind?

  As a sophisticated "computer" processing information
• What is attention in cognitive psychology compared to?

  A spotlight focusing on mental resources
• Why is paying attention important in the cognitive approach?

  It helps in processing information effectively
• What are the two key types of attention in cognitive psychology?

  • Selective Attention: Focus on one thing, ignore others
  • Divided Attention: Split focus between multiple tasks
• Why is it important to remember the differences between computers and the human mind?

  The human mind is more complex than a computer
• What does memory refer to in cognitive processes?

  Storing and retrieving information
• What is the cognitive approach's definition of memory?

  Memory is how we store and retrieve information