cognitive approach

• assumptions of the cognitive approach

  argues internal mental processes should be studied scientifically.

  investigates areas of human behaviour neglected by behaviourists. - memory, perception, thinking.

  mental process cannot be observed so studied indirectly by making inferences.
• schema

  mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing.

  developed from experience
• role of schema

  enables us to process lots of information quickly

  useful as a mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.

  may distort our interpretations of sensory information.

  babies born with simple motor schema

  schema becomes more detailed as we get older and develop mental representations
• theoretical models

  abstract

  suggest the mind processes information in a systematic way

  models explain the structures + processes involved in some cognitive functioning. e.g. MSM

  inferences can then be made
• computer models

  concrete things

  give software simulations of internal mental processes which give predictions and explanations.

  output can be compared to outputs from experiments with humans
• cognitive neuroscience

  scientific study of those biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

  fMRI + PET scans have allowed scientists to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes e.g. research into the episodic + semantic memory

  scanning techniques have established neurological basis for mental disorders. e.g. OCD.

  cognitive neuroscience uses computer-generated models that are designed to 'read' the brain which has led to mind-mapping techniques.
• strength - scientific methods

  cognitive psychologists use highly controlled methods of study so they can infer cognitive processes.

  involved use of lab studies to produce reliable objective data.

  emergence of cognitive neuroscience has allowed biology and cognitive psychology to enhance scientific basis.
• limitation - inference

  cognitive psychology relies on inference of mental processes

  can occasionally suffer from being too abstract + theoretical in nature.

  lacks validity
• limitation - artificial stimuli

  research studies on mental processes often use artificial stimuli.

  e.g. tests on memory which tests memory involving word lists.

  may not represent everyday experience.

  lacks external validity
• strength - real world application

  cognitive approach is the dominant approach in psychology and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts.

  e.g.

  ->has contributed to artificial intelligence.

  ->cognitive principles applied to treatment of depression

  ->improved reliability of eye witness testimony.
• limitation - machine reductionism

  computer analogy has been criticised.

  machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how it affects our ability to process information.

  e.g. human memory may be affected by emotions such as anxiety on EWT

  weakens validity of cognitive approach