A-level Psychology key content part 4 - the learning approach part

what are theoretical models

simplified representations based on current research evidence

what are theoretical models represented as usually

pictures with arrows to indicate transfer of info or stages of a particular mental process

what is the multistore model

information if processed in a linear manner through a sequence stages

which key processes does this include

attention, rehearsal and storage systems include the sensory register as well as ST and LT memory

stage 1 of the theoretical model

sensory information from the environment is inputted

stage 2 of the theoretical model

enters sensory registry for a short time

stage 3 of the theoretical model

is attention is paid to the input it is transferred into the STM

stage 4 of the theoretical model

rehearsal keeps the information into STM

stage 5 of the theoretical model

if the information is’nt rehearsed it will decay or be displaced

stage 6 of the theoretical model

rehearsal in STM transfers the information into long term memory for permanent storage

stage 7 of the theoretical model

when we need info again we can retrieve it which is the output

what is a schema

a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information and is based on experience

what plays an important role in memorising information

existing knowledge

what do we do in order to make sense of incoming information

make sense of it by using existing knowledge to fill in the gaps e.g. when we don’t have full knowledge

what do schemas help us do

simplify a complex social world and take shortcuts to interpret, helps us to predict things based off experienced

what is a scientific evaluative view on the cognitive approach

it is highly scientific-uses controlled lab experiments and objective methods e.g. brain scans

what practical application would the cognitive approach have

has been used i9n the real world-deveopment of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat depression and anxiety