cognitive approach

• The cognitive approach assumes that psychology must study mental processes
• There are three types of mental processes: perception, attention and memory
• Perception is the mental process by which the mind senses stimuli
• Attention is the mental process by which the mind chooses what to focus on
• memory is the mental process by which the mind stores information
• The cognitive approach assumes that the mind works like a computer - information processing model - environmental stimuli is an input which processes and produces an output which is our behaviour
• The cognitive approach uses theoretical models of how mental processes work
• The cognitive approach involves using inference to refine theoretical models
• Making an inference means reaching conclusions about mental processes, based on observations of behaviour
• Mental processes have a limited capacity and usually occur in sequence, but sometimes occur in parallel
• A schema is a mental framework which we form from our experiences. Schemas affect a persons expectations and behaviour
• Assimilation occurs when a new experience matches our schema and is incorporated into our schema
• Accommodation is when we change our schema to match new information
• Schemas affect how we interpret and remember new experiences
• Support for schemas comes from Bartlett 1932. English ppts read a navajo folk tale and were asked to recall details. Bartlett measured how many incorrect details and found ppts changed details to match own schemas.
• Scientific. The cognitive approach involves making inferences based on observable behaviour, meaning it relies on empirical evidence. Experimental methods are used to research, meaning controlled, rigorous scientific procedures are used. This is beneficial scientific procedures ensure enhanced credibility
• cognitive approach can be applied to understand and treat mental disorders. For example, schema theory suggests negative schemas cause mental health issues. Subsequently, cognitive behavioural therapy has been developed to change and improve these schemas. This is positive as the cognitive approach has had real world, practical applications.
• Low ecological validity. The lab experiments could be argued to be artificial due to context and tasks performed. This is problematic as it cannot be generalised to other settings.
• nomothetic. cognitive approach assumes that everyone’s mental processes follow the same patterns and theories. However, it’s possible that people’s mental processes don’t all work the same way. This is problematic as it Ignores individual differences in mental processes