Argues that internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically
Studies memory, perception and thinking
Processes cannot be observed so psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences
Controlled experiments used to make inferences
Schema
Packages of ideas, information and knowledge developed through experience
Act as a mentalframework for the interpretation of incoming information
Help to react to things appropriately
Change as we get older - baby's schema are innatemotor functions like grasping or sucking
Become more detailed and sophisticated as we get older
Strength of having a schema
Enable us to process a lot of information quickly
Useful as a mental short cut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
Limitation of having a schema
May distort our interpretations of sensory information, leading to perceptual errors (EWT)
Information processing approach
Suggests that information flows in a sequence of stages that include input, storage and retrieval - seen in Multi Store Model of Memory
Based on the way a computer functions where the mind is compared to a computer
Uses concepts such as coding (to turn info into a useable format) and the use of 'stores' to hold information
Has been useful in the development of 'thinking machines' or artificial intelligence
Cognitive Neuroscience
Investigates how cognition is produced by the interaction of neural mechanisms, chemistry and brain structure
New technology (fMRI and PET scans) allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes
Recently the expanded focus has included the use of computer generated models which are designed to read the brain, leading to mind mapping techniques
Research within cognitive neurological
Tulving → showed that the different types of LTM may be located in opposite sides of the prefrontal cortex
Braver et al → stated the central executive was also located near the prefrontal cortex
Link between the parahippocampal gurus and OCD
Raine et al → highlighted the lack of prefrontal cortex activity in impulsive murderers via PET scans
Machine reductionism criticism of Cognitive Neuroscience
Humans are complex and unpredictable and cannot be likened to an inanimate object
For example, the assumption that all our cognitions are a results of biological processes
This is a weakness because it can be criticised as too simplistic, failing to recognise that there are an array of factors that impact human behaviour and complex behaviours as those displayed by humans cannot be reduced down to one explanation
Lack of validity criticism of Cognitive Neuroscience
Experimentalreductionism may become a problem
Experiments are lab based so low ecologicalvalidity
For example, Baron-Cohen's study on autism took place in controlled conditions using a task with low mundane realism
This means that such findings do not reflect real cognitive processing
Real world applications Evaluation(CA)
Most dominant approach in psychology and has made a substantial contribution to psychology and to our understanding of psychopathology and for treatment of psychological disorders
For example, modern types of therapy are based on the cognitive approach like CBT - used to treat anxiety and depression
Another example is Loftus and Palmer's study highlighting the limitations of EWT due to inaccurate cognition
Machine Reductionism Evaluation
Humans are complex and unpredictable and cannot be likened to an inanimate object
Likening the human mind to a computer ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how this may affect our ability to process information
For example, research by Levines and Burgess found that emotions influence the accuracy of EWT
This suggests that machine reductionism may weaken the validity of the cognitive approach
Scientific Methods Counterpoint
However as cognitive psychology relies on the inference of mental processes rather than direct observation of behaviour it can be said to be too abstract and theoretical in nature
Studies are also carried out using artificialstimuli that may not represent everyday experience, such as Jacob’s study into the capacity of STM
Therefore research on cognitive processes may lack externalvalidity
Uses mainly lab studies which are highly controlled so researchers are able to infer cognitive processes
Emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enables the two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together and enhance the scientific basis of study
This means that the study of the mind has a credible scientific basis
Real World Application
Uses objective,scientific methods (MRI scans) which increase reliability
Researchers can observe brain activity in real time providing insight into how the brain contributes to specific cognitive functions
This allows researchers to bridge the gap between psychological theories of cognition and the biological processes occurring in the brain, leading to a deeper understanding of human behaviour and cognition
This deeper understanding can be used to (for example) enhance mentalhealth through personalised treatments based on brain activity as well as improve memory
Cognitive Neuroscience Evaluations Acronym
ReallyLackingMachines
Cognitive Approach Evaluations Acronym
ReallyScientificMachines
TheoreticalModels
Mental processes can be studied using the information processing approach which are simplified representations of cognitive processes based on research
Suggests that information flows through the cognitive system systematically which includes input,storage and retrieval (like the Multi Store Model of Memory)
Computer Models
The Cognitive Approach also uses computer models which compares the mind to a computer
Suggesting there are similarities in the way that the information is processed
These models use the concepts such as coding (to turn info into a useable format) and the use of ‘stores’ to hold information
These models have been useful in the development of ‘thinkingmachines’ or artificialintelligence