AO1

• Assumptions:

  • argues that internal mental processes can/should be studied scientifically
  • has investigated areas of human behaviour that were neglected by behaviourists such as memory, perception and thinking
  • these processes are 'private' and cant be observed, so they're studied indirectly by making inferences about what is going on inside peoples minds on basis of their behaviour
• Role of Schemas:

  • cognitive processes can be affected by individuals' belief/expectations
  • schema -> 'package' of ideas + info developed through experience
  • schema acts as mental framework for interpretation of new info received by cognitive systems
  • babies are born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours (grasping + sucking)
  • as we get older, schema becomes more detailed + sophisticated
• Positives + Negatives of Schemas:

  • schema enables us to process lots of info quickly-> useful as a sort of mental shortcuts which prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
  • schema may distort our interpretations of sensory info
• Theoretical Models:

  • used to study internal mental processes
  • e.g. information processing approach -> suggests that info flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages that include input, storage + retrieval as in MSM
• Computer Models:

  • used compare the mind to a computer by suggesting similarities in the way info is processed
• Theoretical + Computer Models:

  • use concepts of central processing unit (the brain), the concept of coding (to turn info into a useable format) + the use of 'stores' to hold information
  • such computational models of the remind have proved useful in the development of 'thinking machines' or AI
• Cognitive Neuroscience:

  • the specific + scientific study of the brain/neurological structures, mechanisms, processes, chemistry that are responsible for cognitive thinking
• Applications of Cognitive Neuroscience (scanning/imaging techniques):

  • use of scanning/imaging techniques -> to locate different types of memory in different areas of the brain leading to treatment for memory problems
  • use of scanning/imaging techniques to study mental processing in patients with depression or OCD or in children with autism or dyslexia
  • use of imaging techniques and angiography to study the effects of normal ageing on the brain or to observe the effects of stroke on the brain
• Application of Cognitive Neuroscience (Other):

  • use of computer simulations/computational modelling to test theories or hypotheses about mental processes such as attention, memory, problem-solving
  • use of computer modelling to develop voice recognition programmes
  • use of eye-tracking/motion-tracking to study visual word processing + reading