Cognative approach

• Theoretical Models

  The cognative approach uses theoretical to help them understand internal mental processes. One important theoretical model is the information processing approach, which suggests that information flows through the cognative system through a sequence of stages that include input, storage and retreival, as in the multi-store model.
• Computer Models

  The cognative approach uses computer models to help them understand internal mental processes. In computer models, the mind is compared to a computer by suggesting that there are similarities in the way information is processed. These models use the concept of a central processing unit -the brain-, the concept of coding -to turn information into a useable format- and the use of 'stores' to hold information. These types of computer models have also been useful in developing technology like A.I.
• Machine Reductionist

  A limitation of the cognative approach is that it is machine reductionist. This means the validity may be weakened as the machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognative system.
• Methods

  A strength of the cognative approach is that it uses objective, scientific methods. It uses lab studies, due to the emergance of cognative neuroscience, it has enabled two fields: biology and cognative neuroscience to come together to enhance the scientific basis of a study, giving it a more credible scientific basis.
• Real-life application

  The cognative approach has been applied to a wide range of pratical and theoretical contexts. For example, it has made important contributions into fields such as artificial inteligence and the development of 'thinking machines'.
• Soft Determinism

  The cognative approach has soft determinism. It recognises that our cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know, but that we are free to think before responding to a stimulus.