cognitive approach

• 5 key features:

  Internal mental processes

  Computer/ theoretical models

  Inference

  Schemas

  Cognitive neuroscience
• computer/theoretical models - the brain is like a computer with input (stimuli), processing (cognition) and output (response).
• theoretical models are a visual representation of the relationship between variables in a model.
• internal mental processes are thoughts like memory, attention and perception which can be indirectly observed via inference
• inference is when we draw conclusions indirectly from behaviours we can see
• schemas are pre-existing buildings blocks of knowledge based on past experiences

  they protect us as they help us predict the future

  but we can also develop a negative schema which could lead to depression
• cognitive neuroscience is the neurological basis of internal mental processes

  this includes the use of fMRI scans and they are used for things like psychopathology

  for example patients with OCD have been found to have increased brain activity in the OFC
• cognitive assumptions:

  thoughts influence behaviour

  the mind is like a computer

  we can study internal mental processes in a lab setting
• cognitive approach evaluations:

  🙂 supporting evidence for the role of inferences and computer models (Peterson and Peterson)

  🙂 practical applications (CBT for depression)

  ☹️ relies on inference - lacking objectivity

  ☹️/🙂 machine reductionism
• machine reductionism

  🙂 we can look at cause and effect relationships between thoughts and actions

  ☹️ it lacks explanatory power for humans complex emotions and free will