Cognitive Approach

• Key assumptions


  -study of internal mental processes e.g. memory.

  -behaviour is influenced by prior mental processes which can be conscious or unconscious.

  -mental processes can be represented as theoretical models which create testable hypotheses about cognition.
• The role of schemas:


  -A schema is a cognitive framework of organisation knowledge. Schemas are created, shaped and refined through experience and new knowledge.

  -Schema helps us predict what will happen in our world and inform our behaviours based on our experiences, past or similar events.

  -Schema enables us to process vast amounts of sensory information rapidly. Preventing us from becoming overwhelmed by large amounts of environmental stimuli.
• Negative schemas 


  -However, negative schema of the 'self' can result in mental illness. e.g. depression.

  -can lead to bias recall of events

  -cognitive bias can lead to inaccurate perception of life and skills
• Inferences 


  -mental process can't be directly observed so must rely on inferences.

  -Inferences involve going beyond immediate observations and making informed conclusions from the available empirical evidence.

  -Miller found PP could only remember 5-9 sequences. He made an inference that short-term memory is limited.
• Theoretical models:


  -cognitive processes are represented visually in the form of theoretical models.

  -They create hypotheses about mental processes.

  -The multi-store model of memory allows to create hypotheses about memory and test in controlled conditioned.
• Computer models:


  -draw parallels between mechanical processing or computers and the human minds.

  -IPM highlights how information enters system via an external environment input and processed and information determines external output.

  -Input ---- process ---- output
• Cognitive neuroscience:


  -cognitive and biological approach with the aim of localising cognitive function in the brain.

  -scientific study of the brain/neurological structures that are irresponsible for cognitive processes.

  -The individual is placed into a brain image scanner. Then individuals performs a cognitive task whilst there brains are scanned. Brain becomes more active so demands more oxygenated blood. The change in blood is detected by FMRI scanner and compared with image of brain usually.
• Evaluation of cognitive approach - strengths

  +Advantages of cognitive neuroscience: use of FMRI increases scientific nature of research into mental process which are more objective when recording oxygenated blood flow. helps predictions about patients and can save lives and resources and benefits the economy.

  +Scientific methodology: cognitive psychology makes use of the experimental method, controlled lab conditions. Theoretical models which are high internal validity and can be replicated to assess reliability of findings.
• Evaluation of cognitive approach

  +practical applications of research: highlights how irrational thoughts and cognitive biases result in negative behaviour. e.g. negative schemas of 'self' can result in depression. This has resulted in CBT which uses techniques to challenge and alter irrational thoughts success of CBT supports mental disorder was irrational thoughts.

  -Issues with inferences: behaviourist would criticises inferences for being unscientific as it introduces subjectively unlike study of observable behaviour.
• Evaluation of cognitive approach - weaknesses:

  -Issues with ecological validity: research takes place in controlled lab conditions with PP's performing artificial tasks which lacks mundane realism. Leads to low ecological validity so theory can't be generalised and said to be valid.

  -Machine reductionism: cognitive approach reduces metal processing down to the level of a machine/computer. Can be seen as mechanical as human thinking is like computer.