cognitive approach

• the study of mental processes 


  internal mental processes are how information is used in the mind, including all conscious and unconscious thoughts

  Typical areas of research for cognitive neuroscience are attention, perception and memory these are meditational processes
• as internal mental processes can't be directly observed, cognitive psychologists have to go beyond the research evidence and use inferences - making assumptions about the internal mental processes that produced the participant behaviour observed in an experiment
• schema 


  mental frameworks, collections of connected basic knowledge about a concept or object built from previous experience with the world
• how do schemas work


  schemas work as mental shortcuts, we use them to understand and navigate the world and interact with people and objects, this means that it doesn't take too much mental energy to decide how to respond to situations
• processing environmental information


  schemas allow us to engage with the world without being overwhelmed by sensory information, assigning objects to a schema means we do not have to consciously work out what each object is individually
• predict the future 


  as schemas are based on previous experiences, they allow us to make assumptions about what objects and people will do in similar situations
• schemas can lead to inaccurate recall


  assumptions due to schemas can influence memory, people may feel that they are accurately remembering when they aren't
• negative schemas can lead to poor mental health


  Beck argues that people with depression have faulty schemas that bias their thinking about themselves, others and the future
• use of theoretical and computer models 


  by assuming the mind operates similarly to a computer, cognitive psychologists are guided in their interpretation, allowing them to make inferences
• the computer model


  an analogy between the operation of a computers central processing unit running software and the human mind conducting mental processes. it suggests both systems receive inputs and generate outputs.

  
• weakness of computer model


  it is criticised for being machine reductionist. It can be argued that the human mind is much more complex than any computer and is capable of consciousness and emotions. While humans and computers may share features, the nature of these features is different
• theoretical models 


  flow chart representations of the steps of a specific mental process

  an example being the multi store model of memory
• strength of theoretical models 


  theoretical models generate testable hypothesis, allowing each assumption to be systematically and scientifically tested. If the observed behaviour matches models' predictions - its valid. If not, model can be adjusted or rejected
• cognitive neuroscience 


  aims to scientifically identify and examine the neurological structures and chemical processes in the brain that are linked to internal mental processes

  CN aims to find out how cognition is produced by the interaction of neural mechanisms, brain structure, and brain chemistry

   This is done using brain imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans
• brain imaging 


  MRI and Pet scans are used to map areas of the brain to cognitive function because the processing of information by centres in the brain to be seen directly. Such processing causes the area of the brain involved to increase metabolism and "light up" on the scan
• strength of cognitive neuroscience


  confirm the link between brain structures and mental processes, traditionally exposed by studying individuals with unique brain injuries

  • famous case of 'tan' who could only say tan' due to speech production issues. Autopsy showed damage to Broca's area - today, imaging shows activated Broca's area in healthy brains during speech
• strength of cognitive neuroscience (Tulving)


  PET research revealed specific brain activity patterns for different long-term memory types. This supports the idea different types with unique brain processing systems.

  His findings emphasise the complexity of memory and demonstrate how neuroscience can uncover how the brain produces cognitive functions
• strength of cognitive approach (scientific )


  is is a scientific approach due to the use of controlled experiments. This means that many of the claims of the approach are backed up by evidence with high internal validity.

  Counter: it is criticised for making inferences - they can be mistaken. Therefore cognitive psychologists not considered as scientific as behaviourists or biological
• weakness (artificial)


  research methods can be highly artificial. e.g. memory studies- recalling sequences/words.

  these findings lack external validity and may not be generalisable to everyday cognitive tasks and real-life memory usage
• (strength) soft determinism


  recognising that behaviour is partly determined by biology and the environment - experiences + schemas in brains structure, thought processes provide control

  this principle forms the foundation of CBT emphasising empowerment by giving clients strategies to modify thinking