cognitive approach

• 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