cognitive

• Scientific methodology: cognitive

  • Attempts to validate theoretical models (e.g., working memory) using controlled lab experiments
  • Not fully scientific: Models represent internal mental processes, which are inferred rather than directly observed
• Determinism: cognitive

  • Soft determinists: Acknowledge causal factors influencing behaviour
  • Schemas are learned through experience but maladaptive mental processes can be modified with conscious effort (cognitive restructuring)
• Nature vs nurture: Cognitive

  • Both aspects are important: Internal mental processes run on physical and biological hardware of brain
  • Closer to nurture: Explanations of mental processes (schemas) formed through experience
• Cognitive Approach

  • Machine reductionist: Computer analogy (mind as CPU, software) is an oversimplistic view
  • Ignores the role of emotions and irrationality in humans
  • Differences exist: Computer memory is flawless, human memory is destructive and contains errors