Cognitive Approach

• Cognitive approach: A01

  • Inferences about internal mental processes are made on the basis of behaviour.
  • Internal mental processes are studied scientifically.
  • Theoretical and computer models are used to help explain mental processes.
• Evaluating schemas: positives

  • schema help us predict what will happen in our world based on our experiences
  • schema enable us to process vast amounts of information rapidly
  • schema prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
• Evaluating schemas: negative

  • schema can distort our interpretation of sensory information
  • schema lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate EWT/memories
  • schema can cause biased recall/see what we expect
  • negative/faulty schema may have a negative impact on mental health
• Assumptions of cognitive approach

  • internal mental processes can be studied
  • mental processes can involve schema
  • theoretical and computer models can be used
  • it is possible to make inferences about mental processes (eg from models)
  • neural mechanisms can be combined with cognitive processes in cognitive neuroscience.
• Cognitive neuroscience AO1

  • aims to explore the neurobiological basis of thought processes and disorders
  • cognitive neuroscience has emerged with improvements in technology such as fMRI and PET scans
  • cognitive science was formally formed in MIT in 1956 and cognitive neuroscience was coined by George Miller and Michael Gazzaniga in the 1970s.
• Cognitive neuroscience evaluation AO3

  • more scientific/objective in research study
  • nature/nurture debate - cognitive neuroscience has demonstrated the brain's plasticity throughout life supporting the role of experience
  • free will/determinism debate - cognitive neuroscience demonstrates the role of experience in shaping the brain showing biology is not destiny
  • research studies identifying neurological basis of mental processes, eg Tulving (1994) PET scan study on memory, Burnett et al. (2009) neurological network associated with guilt
• Cognitive neuroscience evaluation AO3

  • provided neurobiological basis of certain psychological disorders (eg role of the parahippocampal gyrus in OCD) resulting in the development of new therapeutics and removing blame and stigma
  • ethics, eg controversial use of mind mapping for lie detection in courts
  • early identification for cognitive problems prior to observable behaviour has provided potential for early intervention
  • provides evidence to support previously controversial behavioural findings by illuminating mechanisms of cognitive development that underlie behavioural observations.