Cognitive Approach

• Basic assumptions


  The cognitive approach is based on internal mental processes, these are private thoughts in which cognitive psychologists study scientifically to infer cognitive causes for measure behaviour.

  Introspection can be used to study internal mental processes, participants can be asked to verbalise their thought processes, so they can be examines for patterns and trends.
• Role of Schema's


  A schema is a 'package of information' which help to prepare for different situations and environments. Schema's allow us to make cognitive representations of people, places and situations. They are developed from prior experience, help us organise and interpret information and allow us to make short-cuts when interpreting large amount of information. A negative consequence of schemas is that they promote cognitive biases that cause us to ignore information that does not fit with an existing schema. This explains the development of prejudices and stereotypes.
• Cognitive approach assumes that internal mental processes (e.g. thoughts) affect a person's behaviour. For example, schema's are cognitive presentations that individuals have, these schema's differ among people and in turn affect how they behave.
• The role of Theoretical and Computer models

  Computer models suggest human cognitive processes are very similar to the workings of a computer. One of the most significant computer models is the information processing model. This suggests that the brain acts as a 'processor': information is taken from the senses (input); it is then 'coded' by the brain (process); to be developed into observable behaviour (output).
• Strength of cognitive approach

  • scientific which is when an approach is based on measures that are controlled, rigorous and allow for replication. For example, the cognitive approach led to the development of cognitive neuroscience which objectively identifies where in the brain different mental processes occur. As such, PET scans have shown that cocaine addicts have reduced activity in their frontal lobes the part of the brain responsible for decision making. By merging biology and cognitive psychology together means the study of the mind has established a credible scientific basis.
• Strength of Cognitive approach

  • Practical applications which is when the principles of an approach are put into practice outside the laboratory. For example, the cognitive approach has been dominant in contributing to the development of CBT which is used to help treat a range of disorders by challenging negative and irrational thoughts, so that they can have a positive impact on behaviour. This is a strength of the explanation because it translates well into a successful therapy.
• Limitation of the cognitive approach

  • Use of computer models is machine reductionist. This is because it explains human behaviour as that of being similar to a computer. For example, the human brain and computers differ dramatically. Firstly, the human mind can forget whereas computers can recall any information that has ever been stored, this means that human mental processing is vulnerable to decay and retrieval failure whereas computers are not. Therefore, the cognitive approach oversimplifies human cognition and ignores important aspects that influence performance.
• Cognitive Neuroscience


  It is a combination of biological and cognitive psychology. It aims to investigate the neurological basis of thought processes and disorders. It has emerged with improvements in technology and uses scientific non-invasive scanning techniques to investigate where in the brain different mental processes are based. For example, lesion studies, PET scans, MRI scans etc.
• Cognitive neuroscience - Lesion studies

  Studying the brain scans of patients with brain damage to see the impact upon normal behaviour. For example, Phineas Gage damages his frontal Lobe after a railroad explosion a metal bar went through his skull. As a result of this brain damage, he experienced increased aggression, loss of inhibitions and people described him as 'drunk'.
• Cognitive Neuroscience - Neuroimaging


  Using brain scans, such as PET or fMRI scans, to investigate which parts of the brain become active during particular activities. For example, PET scans have been used to show that cocaine users have reduced activity in the frontal lobes which are responsible for problem-solving and controlling emotions.