Cognitive approach

Internal mental processes

Humans use cognitive processes to make sense of the world around them e.g. memory, language and decision making

Example of internal mental processes

Participants were asked to use introspection (think aloud) when playing on fruit machines.

They found that regular gamblers were more irrational than non-regular gamblers

Computer analogy

Human mind works in a similar way to a computer. We use input, process, output

Computer analogy example

Multi-store model of memory.

(Store 1) if paying attention information moves to short term memory (store 2) Rehearsing this information will move it to long term memory (store 3)

Schemas

Knowledge packets of information. Schemas change with experience e.g. if you learn a new fact your schemas adapt.

Most people have similar scripts e.g. when at a restaurant you wait to be sat

Example of schemas

Halo effect- people who are more attractive were judged to be more successful in all aspects of life

Application to relationship

Cost benefit analysis. We are attracted to those whose benefits outweigh the costs.

CBT therapy-Cognitive element

The key aspect is to replace faulty thought patterns through cognitive restructuring, this involves challenging the irrational thoughts of the client.

CBT therapy-Behavioural element

A therapist will engage the client in role play or set homework, this allows the client to put into practise the cognitive reconstruction.

NAANA-Normal

If people think rationally they would be normal

NAANA-Abnormal

If people think irrationally they would be abnormal

NAANA-Aim

Aims to challenge an individuals irrational thought patterns

NAANA-Normal again

CBT helps individuals learn skills and techniques to challenge their irrational thoughts and after they will start behaving normally again

NAANA-Alternative

CBT works better for cognitive approach as its treating thoughts rather than biology

Effectiveness-strength

The effectiveness of CBT was compared to antidepressants on severely depressed people, CBT was as effective as the antidepressants

Effectiveness-Weakness

The effectiveness depends on how competent the therapist is, the higher the competence the greater the outcome

Ethics- Risk of harm

Cognitive psychologist suggest that disorders are caused by faulty thinking patterns this suggest the clients are to blame

Applications

Cognitive therapy is used worldwide, this benefits society as its used across a range of countries

Scientific

Loftus and Palmer's study shows that the approach is credible

Determinist

Internal mental processes and schemas have an impact on behaviour but we can't control them causing people to get away with things and people not being able to overcome depression.

Nomothetic

Computer analogy suggests that all minds work in similar ways which ignores the role of individual differences