Cognitive Approach

• The role of schemas

  Our past experiences effect how we see and understand the world around us. These understandings are known as schemas. These are ‘works in progress’ and reflect what we have experienced in the past, but they also create expectations for the future.
• The use of theoretical models to make

  inferences about mental processes

  Internal mental processes cannot be directly observed, but psychologists can infer how these processes work. For example, the MSM and WMM are both theoretical explanations for how memory may operate.
• The use of computer models to make

  inferences about mental processes

  An analogy is often drawn between the brain and a computer. Both involve sequences of input, process, and output.
• Brain vs Computer

  INPUT - sensory info vs keyboard / mouse

  PROCESS - memory / thoughts vs software

  OUTPUT - language / movement vs monitor / email
• Cognitive Neuroscience

  With the development of brain imaging techniques (eg. fMRI, and EEG) researchers have been able to understand the localisation of brain function.
• Cognitive Neuroscience

  Advances in brain mapping have allowed the development of treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation, which can alleviate the symptoms of severe mental and physical disorders.