Cognitive approach

• Cognitive psychologists use the study of internal mental processes which include all conscious and unconscious thoughts. The typical areas of study are attention, perception and memory.
• Strengths of the cognitive approach:

  • Scientific approach - Highly controlled experiments with many conducted in lab settings with large sample sizes and use standardised procedures. This means all studies are backed up with high internal validity.
• Limitations of the cognitive approach:

  • Relies on interferences - This is criticised as the interferences could be wrong. This makes it viewed as less scientific compared to behaviourism and biological psychology (they base their theories on directly observable and and physical behaviours).
  • However, interference allows psychologists to explore areas that are inaccessible to other approaches (eg internal working processes). Later neuroimaging supports this approach.
• Schemas are mental frameworks of collected basic knowledge about a concept or object build from previous experience with the world.
• The role of schemas - Positives:

  • Processing environmental information - Schemas allow us to engage with the world without being overwhelmed with sensory information. Allows us to assign objects to a schema without having to think about it (eg a chair is to sit on).
  • Predict the future - We are able to make assumptions about what objects and people will do in a similar situation.
• The role of schemas - Negative:

  • Leads to inaccurate recall - Assumptions due to schemas can influence memory, particularly the EWT. Participants may feel their recall is accurate however it is being altered by leading questions.
  • Negative schemas can lead to poor mental health - Beck argues people with depression have faulty schemas and bias their thinking about themselves, the world and future.
• The computer model is an analogy between the operation of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) and running software programmes, and the human brain conducting internal mental processes. This suggests both have an input and an output.
• Limitations of the computer model:

  • Overly simplified explanation - Machine reductionist. Human brain is more complex than any computer and is capable of conscious and unconscious emotions which can lead to irrational behaviours. Human memory also has flaws and is reconstructive while computer memory stores information with perfect accuracy.
• Theoretical models are flow chart representations of the steps of a specific mental process. An example is the multi-store model which shows sensory input can progress to the STM and LTM.
• Strengths of theoretical models:

  • Generate testable hypotheses - Allows for each assumption to be systematically and scientifically tested. If observed behaviour matches model predictions, it suggests the model is valid. If behaviour contradicts model, it can be adjusted or rejected.
• Cognitive neuroscience aims to scientifically identify and examine neurological structures and chemical processes in the brain which are linked to mental processes. This is done through, fMRI and PET scans to observe activity in different areas of the brain.
• Strengths of cognitive neuroscience:

  • Evidence for links between mental processes and brain structures - A famous case is 'Tan' who could only say Tan due to speech production issues. After his death, autopsy showed damage to his Broca's area which we now know is for regulating healthy speech production.
• Strengths of cognitive neuroscience:

  • Supporting evidence - Tulving's PET scan research revealed specific brain activity patterns for different types of LTM. This supports the idea of multiple distinct LTM stores, each which have a unique processing system. This emphasises the complexity of memory and demonstrates how neuroscience can uncover how the brain produces various cognitive functions.
• Strengths of the cognitive approach:

  • Practical and real world application - Understanding schemas has led to the development of CBT where therapists can help identify and change negative thought patterns in patients. It has also helped jury instructions prevent wrongful convictions by the understanding of schemas.
• Strengths of the cognitive influence:

  • Supports soft determinism - Recognising behaviour is partly determined by biology and environment. This forms the foundation of CBT, emphasising empowerment by equipping clients with strategies to modify their thought patterns and consequently play an active role in their own recovery.
• Limitations of the cognitive approach:

  • Lacks external validity - Artificial tasks, such as recalling random sets of words lack mundane realism and is not something we would typically remember in day to day life, hence they are not generalisable to real-life memory usage.