cognitive approach

• The cognitive approach studies information processing. This approach realises that processes such as thinking and retrieving memories cant be studied directly, but indirectly by inferring what goes on. A schema is a cognitive framework which helps organise and interpret information in the brain. For example, schemas for specific events are stored and used to create expectations on how to behave. They are useful to help us take shortcuts when interpreting a lot of information. A consequence of filling in information however, is the stereotypes that can be developed.
• There are different models used in cognitive psychology. Theoretical models, such as the MSM or the WMM, are simplified representations based on current research. Usually pictorial in nature, eg represented by arrows and boxes. They are often incomplete and informal so frequently changed. Computer models focus on the way information is ‘coded’. It uses computer analogy about how info is inputted, stored and encoded. Eg the hard disk is LTM.
• The emergence of cognitive neuroscience is how there are rapid advances in ways of studying the brain. Scientists can now study the living brain, giving them detailed information. For example, by using PET scans and functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRIs) shows how activities and emotions make the brain active in different regions. For example, when people feel guilty, the medial frontal cortex becomes active.
• A strength of the cognitive approach is the application to many other areas of psychology.

  In social psychology, it has helped better understand how we interpret the actions of others and the application to psychopathology has been used to explain how much dysfunctional behaviour shown by people can be related to faulty thinking processes.

  These insights have led to successful treatment for people suffering from disorders such as depression and OCD
• Cognitive psychology has emphasis on scientific processes which is a strength of this approach.

  The use of experimental methods provides a good method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach conclusions about how the brain works.

  This means that the evidence found is much better than conclusions found based on reason or introspection as these can provide misleading evidence.

   
• An issue with the cognitive approach is that it fails to tell us why these processes take place.

  Emotion and motivation has largely been ignored by this approach. This is not surprising as the approaches that focus on motivational processes in behaviour, ignore the cognitive aspects.

  The lack of focus on this may be explained by the fact that it uses computer analogies, and computers don’t have emotion or motivation.

   
• An issue with this approach is that the tasks have little in common with day to day life.

  For example, experiments in memory are artificial such as using word lists to test memory, and this isn’t something we try to do everyday, its more realistic thinking about where you last put your keys.

  As a result, it is unlikely that we would be able to generalise these findings to real life situations. Therefore research from the cognitive approach may be criticised to lack ecological validity.