Psychology Paper 2- Cognitive Approach

cognitive approach focuses on

thought processes, not behavioural outcomes

cognitive approach believes that

internal mental processes should be studied scientifically and indirectly- because they are private

cognitive approach assumes that

the mind works like a computer

schema

mental frameworks for the interpretation of incoming information

cognitive approach models

theoretical models and computer models

theoretical models

humans are ‘information processors’- information goes through cognitive system in stages

example of theoretical model

multistore model of memory

computer models

the mind is like a computer- includes cpu, coding, stores- a metaphor

branch of cognitive approach

cognitive neuroscience

cognitive neuroscience

study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

cognitive neuroscientists use

pet and fmri scans

double disociation

two mental processes function independently from each other

example of double disociation

stm and ltm- as proved by kf and hm

schema allow

people to process lots of information quickly

schema stop

people from being overwhelmed by stimuli

schema can

distort what is seen or heard due to expectations

problems with schema

in eyewitness testimony and can harm mental health

strengths of cognitive approach

accepted explanation of behaviour, scientific, real world applications

strength of cognitive approach- accepted explanation of behaviour

focus on thought processes accepted as humans are capable of complex thought

strength of cognitive approach- scientific

experimental methods used- valid

strength of cognitive approach- real world applications

in successful treatments eg. for anxiety and ocd

weaknesses of cognitive approach

lacks external validity, mechanistic reductionism

weaknesses of cognitive approach- lacks external validity

lab studies with artificial stimuli

weaknesses of cognitive approach- mechanistic reductionsim

human mind reduced to computer system- oversimplified- neglects role of emotion

unlike behaviourist approach, the cognitive approach argues that

internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically