A01

• assumptions

  • the cognitive approach focuses on the scientific and objective study of internal mental processes
  • however these cannot be directly observed and therefore inferences must be made based on observable behaviour- the indirect measure of cognition.
• THEORETICAL MODELS

  • these are used to understand cognitive processes. An example of a theoretical model is the working memory model, used to explain short term memory. This model breaks memory down into cognitive components e.g., episodic buffer, central executive, phonological loop, which information flows between.
• schemas

  • schemas provide an internal mental framework which allows the brain to process large volumes of information efficiently and quickly, preventing sensory overload. These are also generated via experiences so become more advanced with time. 
  • However- schemas are preconceived and thus may lead to perceptual distortions due to having an already established mental framework. 
• COMPUTER ANALOGIES

  • Analogies can be made between the workings of a computer and the function of the human brain, for example, inputs such as a processer for a computer is likened to the bran and the output of a computer code is likened to the human language.