Cognitive approach

• What is the cognitive approach?

  • assumes humans are like computers/information processors
  • The brain receives information, processes it and then responds
  • If an individual Receives or processes different information then their behaviour will be different
  • cognitive psychology involves all mental processes (memory, perception, thinking, attention etc)
• strengths of cognitive approach?

  • gives us an understanding of how we think and process
  • real world applications
  • uses scientific method to establish cause+effect
  • controlled scientific studies enables replication
• weaknesses of cognitive approach?

  • lacks ecological validity
  • can never measure a cognitive process, only assume
  • lab studies involve demand characteristics