Cognitive approach

• The term 'cognitive' means 'mental processes', so this approach is focused on how our mental processes affects our behaviour.
• There are three main assumptions/features of the cognitive approach:

  -the importance of the role of schemas

  -the use of models as explanations: computer model

  -the possibility of combining cognitive processes and biological structures (cognitive neuroscience)
• Cognitive psychology information processing model:  

  INPUT - PROCESS – OUTPUT

  STIMULUS – COGNITION – BEHAVIOUR
• The cognitive approach is concerned with investigating internal processes like perception and memory.
• The cognitive approach explains that behaviour functions like information being processed in a computer.
• The computer model: refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition.
• The role of schema’s:

  -schema’s are a way we organise information in our mind’s which are about ourselves and the world around us.

  -Schema’s create a framework of information.

  -Schema’s help us to organise, process and store information.

   -Schame’s allow for short cut’s when accessing information.

  -Schema’s however can distort our recall of memory and how we interpret things.
• Inferences/inferring: reaching a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
• Emergence of cognitive neuroscience:

  -cognitive neuroscience is the underlying neural basis of cognitive functioning.

  -neuroscientists can study the brain and collect detailed information about the brain structures involved in different kinds of mental processing.

  -brain areas can be mapped for specific functions.

  -PET and FMRI scans help psychologists understand how the brain supports different cognitive activities and emotions.
• Evaluation of the cognitive approach:

  -application to real world – research into memory by Baddeley was possible due to the cognitive approach, where Baddeley theories the coding of STM and LTM as well as why we forget.

  -scientific and objective methods – cognitive psychologists like Baddeley and Loftus use laboratory experiments which has high levels of control which leads to replicability and thus high levels on internal validity.
• Evaluation of the cognitive approach:

  -much cognitive research is based on highly controlled experiments which have low ecological validity and low mundane realism.

  -machine reductionist – cognitive psychology relies heavily on the comparison with computers and technology. Many psychologists argue that humans have higher emotional intelligence than computers which can affect the way we process stimuli.

  -narrow focus on mental process; the cognitive approach ignores others approaches such as biological factors or social factors.