cognitive

• the three cognitive assumptions:

  • computer analogy
  • schemas
  • internal mental processes
• the cognitive approach says our mind is like a computer
• the mind is compared to the hard ware of a computer and our cognitive processes are our software
• the brain has an input of information from the environment via our senses
• we then process the data using processes like memory and language
• then we have an output
• this could explain aggressive behaviour when people have faulty processing eg. having hostile attribution bias
• behaviour can be explained using the internal processes of the mind
• internal mental processes= perception, attention, memory, language and thinking
• eg. seeing a dog- pay attention to it, perceive its features, use our memory and use our language
• we can measure internal mental processes using introspection
• Griffiths - used introspection on gamblers and non gamblers and found regular gamblers used more irrational verbalisations
• schemas are organised packets of information built up through experience
• schemas are usually based on past experiences but can also be refined by further interactions
• schemas can take different forms eg. events or roles
• event schemas= known as scripts for events eg. going to a restaurant
• role schemas= tell us about different roles eg. nurse
• Piaget suggests that a childs cognitive development is essentially the development of schemas