The cognitive approach

• Evaluation: Machine reductionism (limitation)

  Approach is based on machine reductionism.

  Computer analogy has been criticised - ignore the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, may affect ability to process information.

  Research has found that human memory may be effected by emotional factory.

  Machine reductionism may weaken the validity of the approach.
• Evaluation: Real-world application (strength)


  The approach has practical application.

  Has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts. Eg. contribute in the field of AI - advances that may revolutionise how we live in the future.

  Cognitive principles have also been applied to treatment of depression and improved the reliability of EWT.

  Supports the value of the cognitive approach.
• Evaluation: Scientific method (strength)

  It uses objective, scientific methods.

  Employ highly controlled and rigorous methods - allows them to infer cognitive processes.

  Involves lab studies - produce reliable, objective data.

  Emergence of cognitive neuroscience has allowed biology and cognitive psychology to come together, enhancing the scientific basis of study.

  Study of the mind has a credible scientific basis.
• Cognitive neuroscience


  The scientific study of those biological structures that underpin cognitive processes.
• Emergence of cognitive neuroscience

  Advances in brain imaging techniques - fMRI, PET scans, scientists have been able to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes.
• Inference


  The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental process operate on the basis of observed behaviour.
• Theoretical and computer models

  Theoretical models are abstract, computer models are concrete things.

  Information processing approach - information flows through the cognitive system in stages: input, storage retrieval - multi-store model. Approach is based on computer functions .

  Useful in the development of AI.
• Role of schema

  Babies are born with simple motor schema for innate behaviours. As we get older, our schema becomes more detailed and sophisticated.

  Allows us to process information quickly, prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. However, it can distort our interpretations of sensory information - perceptual errors.
• Schema


  A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing, developed from experience.
• Internal mental processes

  'Private' operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.
• Assumptions


  Argues that internal mental processes can, and should be, studied scientifically.

  Investigate the areas of human behaviour that are neglected by other approaches - memory, perception, thinking.

  The processes are 'private' and can't be observed - studied indirectly, make inferences.