Cognitive approach

• Main assumptions

  People are information processors​

  People actively respond to environmental stimuli, depending on schemas & thoughts​

  The human mind operates like a computer​

  Cognitive processes can be modelled in order to make them observable. ​

  They should be tested scientifically​
• Internal mental processes

  Cognitive psychologists attempt to work out what the internal thought processes are, from observing behaviour.
• Thoughts = private​

  Cannot be seen​

  Drive behavioural responses​
• Behaviour = public​

  Can be seen​

  Driven by internal thought processes​
• Inference

  Going beyond immediate observed evidence to make assumptions as to the origins of that behaviour
• Schema

  Mental templates​ developed through experience and ‘frame’ interpretation of incoming information​. Unique to the individual & influenced by culture​

  Enable us to process vast amounts of information rapidly​

  Can distort our interpretation of sensory information

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• Theoretical models

  • Cognitive processes cannot be directly observed​
  • Necessary to develop theories to represent cognitive processes​ eg MSM
  • Theories can then be tested for validity​ eg experiments like Murdock
  • Aids the development of Psychology, paradigm shift eg WMM
• Computer models

  Assumes the human mind is like a computer
• Cognitive neuroscience is the study of neurological structures, mechanisms and chemistry that are responsible for seemingly abstract mental processes e.g. memory storage etc.​
• The cognitive approach is reductionist

  For example, the mechanical approach which looks at humans operating like computers doesn’t allow for elements that can be observed in human emotion (e.g. irrationality)​. Fails to acknowledge the individual nature of humans in their responses, human response is often influenced by myriad factors, such as past experience, hormonal influences.
• There is evidence to support the cognitive approach

  Squire et al. Cognitive neuroscience, combined with theoretical models, has allowed for the objective support of cognitive processes, such as the storage of new memories. ​
• The cognitive approach has practical applications​

  For example, developments in cognitive neuroscience has contributed to a greater understanding of the human brain (localisation of function)​. Potential huge benefits for the sufferers of brain injury, scan can identify damaged areas so that rehabilitation can be better focused on individual improvement, potentially speeding up recovery
• The cognitive approach focuses on free will​

  For example, it focuses solely on the unconscious experience of an individual which means that their later behaviour is the result of early childhood experiences and relationships with parents. This means that it takes a very positive approach to explaining behaviour, the impact of which might be that individuals are much more likely to engage in therapies that will improve their quality of life.