cognitive approach

Cards (22)

  • assumption 1: mental processes of the mind should be studied scientifically by making inferences
  • assumption 2: the mind works like a computer
  • assumption 3: models should be used to demonstrate the function of mental processes
  • internal mental processes is where the information received from our senses is processed by the brain and how we process it affects how we behave
  • internal mental processes include: perception, attention, memory, language, and thinking
  • an inference is the act of drawing conclusions based on evidence and using reasoning to assume how something is working
  • a schema is the mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing
  • schemas are developed from experience
  • babies are born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours such as sucking and grasping
  • models are used to provide testable theories about mental processing
  • cognition and biological processes can be integrated leading to cognitive neuroscience as a way of understanding human behaviour
  • cognitive psychologists use both theoretical and computer models to help them understand internal mental processes
  • theoretical models are flow charts to show how information flows and is processed, for example the WMM
  • the cognitive approach suggests that the brain can be viewed as similar to a computer as they both have inputs and outputs, this is called the computer model
  • emergence of cognitive neuroscience: the development of new brain scanning techniques such as fMRI have allowed thought processes to be linked to patterns of activity in the brain
  • AO3: uses objective, scientific methods - lab studies
    the emergence of cognitive neuroscience - credible scientific basis
    HOWEVER - relies on the inference of mental processes, often carried out using artificial stimuli which may not represent everyday experience - lacks external validity
  • AO3: practical application - important contributions to the field of AI - supports the value of the cognitive approach
  • AO3: based on machine reductionism - similarities between the human mind and computers
    ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system - human memory may be impacted by emotional factors (anxiety on EWT)
    weaken validity of cognitive approach
  • AO3: soft determinism
  • cognitive neuroscience
    the study of cognitive functions and map the function to areas of the brain
  • cognitive neuroscience examples…
    fMRI, PET scans
  • cognitive neuroscience studies
    raine et al - lack of activity in the PFC and links to offending behaviour found using PET scans
    tulving et al - different types of LTM in PFC