Cognitive Approach

• assumptions:

  • mind actively processes info from our senses
  • complex mental processes between stimulis and response- can be studies
  • humans seen as data processing systems
  • computer and human brain are alike- encode transfer store info as well as outputs
• Computer analogy

  input= info from our sense

  processing = making sense of the info/thinking about it

  output= the behaviour shown
• theoretical models

  • models depict a series of stages that explain the process of mental process.
  • e.g. MSM and WMM
• role of schemas

  schemas= 'packages' of info, ideas of the world that are developed through experience.

  -mental framework for interpretation of info

  • born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours e.g. sucking and grabbing
  • become Moore detailed and sophisticated as we grow up
• emergence of cognitive science

  cognitive science= study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

  • through case studies of brain damage patients it has enabled us to map areas of the bran to specific functions
  • advances in brain imaging allow to systematically observe and describe neurological basis f mental process and mental disorders
• strength of cognitive approach

  • soft determinism, emphasises that some behaviours/ metal processes are determined by internal and external factors beyond our control , free to think before we respond tot he stimuli, some process occur within the limits that we know. people responsible for their actions, valuable to society
  • real world applications, e.g. therapies for depression that focus on 'faulty' mental processes, allow people to take control of depression and change the way they think. become resilient to the stresses of life- self efficacy, positive impact on society
• cons of cognitive approach

  • machine reductionist- too far with similarities between human mind and computers, does not take into account the influence of human emotion and motivation. not truly plausible