The Cognitive Approach

• The assumption of the cognitive approach is that the mind actively processes information from the senses and operates in a similar way to a computer [input-> process-> output]
• Between stimulus and response, complex mental processes occur. These mental processes can be studied scientifically
• Human behaviour is controlled by thought processes, as opposed to factors like genetics
• Internal mental processes are the ways in which we process information within our brain
• ‘Private’ operations of the mind.

  Mediate between stimulus and response.

  Internal mental processes can’t be directly observed, but can be studied using the scientific method
• cognitive psychologists want to understand what thought processes are occurring to cause behaviour
• They indirectly observe mental processes using the scientific method. For example, looking at how memory works using digit span techniques to investigate the capacity of STM
• Such experiments allow psychologists to make inferences about how internal mental processes work on the basis of behaviour they have observed
• A schema is a cognitive framework for organising and interpreting information
• They’re ‘packages’ of information that contain our expectations of the world
• The schema assists in recall, guide behaviour and makes sense of current experiences and allow quick processing of information to stop us becoming overwhelmed- however, they can also distort our interpretation of information and lead to errors in perception
• Everyone has different experiences and so form different schemas. This means that many factors, including culture, have a large impact on these
• As cognitive psychologists can’t see the mental processes that occur, they must infer what is happening between stimulus and response, using a theoretical model
• Theoretical models are usually put forward as a series of stages- they’re simplified representations based on current evidence
• Cognitive psychologists also compare the human mind to a computer, assuming that it processes information in a similar fashion
• Input-> some form of stimulus or event in the environment

  Processing-> an internal mental process like thought, memory or attention, that allows the individual to make sense of the input

  Output-> an outward response
• Nature vs Nurture: the cognitive approach suggests that information processing is modified as a result of experience
• Free Will vs Determinism: the cognitive approach suggests that behaviour is the result of meditational processes however human can choose what information that attend to
• Scientific: the cognitive approach utilises scientific methods of investigation. However, researchers are unable to directly observe cognitive processes
• Real World Application: the cognitive approach has led to the development of numerous treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy. Furthermore, the cognitive approach has helped improve the accuracy and reliability of EWT
• Cognitive neuroscience looks for the biological basis of mental processes that was developed over the last 20 years due to advancements in technology. This allows us to infer where certain activities take place in the brain and how they’re processed