Cognitive Approach

• The cognitive approach assumptions

  - Argues that internal mental processes should be studied scientifically

  - Studies memory perception and thinking (missed out by behaviourists) indirectly by making inferences about what is going on in a person's head
• Internal mental processes


  'Private' operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.
• Inferences


  The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour.
• Schema


  A concept or framework that organizes and interprets information
• Cognitive neuroscience


  A field that attempts to understand the links between cognitive processes and brain activity.
• Strengths of the cognitive approach

  Scientific methods

  - Involves the use of lab studies to produce reliable, objective data.

  - The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has enabled the 2 fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together to enhance the scientific basis of study.

  - HOWEVER, research on cognitive processes may lack external validity.

  
  

  Real-world application

  - Cognitive principles has been applied to the treatment of depression and improved the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
• Limitations of the cognitive approach

  Machine reductionism

  - Ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system, and how this may affect our ability to process information.