cognitive approach

• explain cognitive approach


  -in contrast to behaviourist approach, cognitive approach argues that internal model processes should be studied scientifically

  -investigated those areas neglected by behaviourists e.g thinking

  -these processes are private and cannot be observed so cognitive psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences abt what is going on inside ppl's minds on basis of their behaviour
• define schema


  packages of information and ideas developed through experience. they act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information received by the cognitive system.
• what does schema help with

  -enables us to process lots of information quickly and this useful as a sort of mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.

  -however schema may also distort our interpretations of sensory information, leading to perceptual errors.
• describe theoretical computer models in cognitive approach

  -theoretical and computer models are used by cognitive psychologists to help them understand internal mental processes

  -1 important t.m is the information processing approach which suggests that info flows thru cognitive system in a sequence of stages based on the way that computers function
• Give two assumptions of the cognitive approach.

  -mental processes can be regarded as information processing

  -mind operates a similar way to a computer

  -mental processes can be scientifically studied;