The Cognitive Approach

• 1st evaluation for Cognitive Approach

  P - The CA uses scientific methods through the use of lab studies

  E - This means that this approach produces empirical evidence to support the inferences it makes about internal mental processes. The use of replicable experiments means that this evidence can be shown to be reliable.

  E - e.g Peterson & Peterson (1959) used trigrams to test the duration of the STM.

  L - This has enabled a scientifically valid study of mental processes, something which no other approach has acheived and has greatly enhanced our understanding of how the mind may work.
• 2nd evaluation for Cognitive Approach

  P - The CA can be accused of machine reductionism

  E - e.g info processing model can be organised into separate stages. However, its possible to argue not appropriate way to describe thought processes of humand as they are not infallible like computers.

  E -e.g Johnson and Scott (1976) weapon focus effect

  L - The CA can be seen to be reductionist in a way that fails to consider influence of other variable factors on mental processes such as human errors and/or emotions
• 3rd evaluation for Cognitive Approach

  P - The lab studies used in the CA may lack external validity

  E - The use of artificial stimuli in experiments does allow high control but it means that the stimuli used do not relfect real-life mental proecesses.

  E - e.g memeory using word lists, (Baddeley 1965) or digit spans (Jacobs)

  L - This is a weakness as th euse of artifical stimuli mean that these experiments cannot recreate the way that the human mind works when using real-life info and therefore cannot be generalised to real-life mental processing.
• Cognitive Approach

  The study of internal mental processes
• Internal mental processes studied in the Cognitive Approach

  • Memory
  • Thinking
  • Attention
  • Perception
  • Language
• Internal mental processes are happening but cannot be directly observed in the same way as biological processes
• Researchers must run research and make inferences from their findings to investigate internal mental processes
• Theoretical models

  Diagrammatic representations of internal mental processes, work like flow charts in computer programming
• Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)

  • A linear model outlining the stages involved in memory
  • Demonstrates the flow of information as input-storage-retrieval in a systematic way
  • Can be tested using lab experiments
• Information processing approach

  Information flows through the cognitive system in stages<|>Information is transformed e.g. sensory information enters memory via the sensory register, information paid attention to transfers to STM, information rehearsed transfers to LTM, unrehearsed information is displaced (forgotten)
• Computer analogy


  The cognitive approach conceptualises the mind as similar to a computer in terms of encoding/coding, storage, and output
• Computer models are the basis for the development of artificial intelligence
• Computational modelling has highlighted how the brain carries out functions like anticipating a reward, planning and problem-solving
• Strengths of the cognitive approach

  • Use of lab experiments increases reliability with controlled conditions and standardised procedures
  • Good scientific validity, particularly with emergence of cognitive neuroscience
• Weaknesses of the cognitive approach

  • Example of machine reductionism, overly contrived and unlike real, unpredictable, multi-faceted, emotional human behaviour
  • Fact that internal mental processes can only be inferred means approach is overly abstract and detached from real life, thus lacks external validity
• Schema

  Shortcuts which facilitate the quick processing of information and stop the brain from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimulation
• Schemas

  • Allow us to predict what may happen and are based on previous experience
  • Act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information
  • Unique to the individual and the experiences they have had
  • Culture has an effect on schemas as it shapes experience
• Development of schemas

  1. Babies are born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours

  2. As we get older schemas become more complex and sophisticated
• Bartlett's view of schemas

  Our schemas do not work like a photograph but instead like a notepad, which means the event is reconstructed, our schema affects our thoughts, emotions and behaviours<|>This is due to schema filling the gaps and making assumptions
• Bartlett's 'War of the Ghosts' research (1932)


  1. Bartlett told his participants (male Cambridge University students) the 'War of Ghosts' which is a Native American folk tale

  2. The participants re-told the story to fit their cultural schema by changing some details e.g. canoes became 'boats'; paddling became 'rowing' or leaving out unfamiliar elements e.g. no mention of ghosts at all; place-names ignored
• Bartlett concluded that memory does not record events like a camera, rather it is affected by schema, particularly cultural schema which overlays the original event or message
• Cognitive neuroscience (CN)

  Investigates the relationship/interaction between cognition and neural mechanisms, brain chemistry and brain structure
• Origins of CN with the discovery that Broca's area (part of the frontal lobe) is linked to speech production

  Mid-19th century
• New technology in CN

  • fMRI and PET allow researchers to explain the neurological basis of mental processes
• Findings from CN research

  • Maguire et al. (2000) found increased volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampi of London taxi drivers using MRI technology, linking this structure in the brain to spatial navigation
  • Raine et al. (1997) found via PET scans that impulsive murderers under-utilise their pre-frontal cortex when making decisions which may explain the nature of their crimes
• Expanded focus of CN

  • Use of computer-generated models, which, in effect, 'read' the brain, leading to mind mapping techniques (brain 'fingerprinting')
• Applications of CN in healthcare


  • To determine the best surgical approach to remove brain tumours
  • To diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries and conditions such as Parkinson's disease
  • To guide surgeons during surgery (rather like the sat-nav on a car)
• CN research

  • Tulving et al. (1994) showed that the different types of long-term memory may be located on opposite sides of the prefrontal cortex
  • Braver et al. (1997) suggested that the central executive (working memory model) was located near the prefrontal cortex
• Strengths of CN

  • CN has real-world applications e.g. in medicine, health, education
  • CN uses objective, scientific methods which increases its reliability
• Weaknesses of CN

  • Technology such as MRI scans are not 100% reliable due to user-error in calibration, temperature and noise interference
  • CN could be accused of machine reductionism: humans are complex and unpredictable and cannot be likened to an inanimate object