Cognitive Approach Concepts

Multistore Model of Memory

Memory is the process in which humans store, encode, and retrieve information. The Multistore Model of Memory (MSM) argues that memory consists of different stores and suggests these processes are sequential.

• Sensory memory store: Is where sensory information from the environment enters. It has infinite capacity, but only lasts one to two milliseconds. If information is considered important it moves to short term memory

• Short term memory: Has a capacity of 7±2 items and its duration is up to 30 seconds. If not rehearsed and attention is not paid to it, information is quickly lost or displaced from STM by new information

• Long term memory: Regular rehearsal of information leads to transfer to long term memory. It is believed to have infinite duration and storage of information, although there is no conformation of this. However, rehearsal of this memory must be present in order to make memory retrieval easier.

The primacy and recency effect are cognitive phenomena where people tend to remember the first (primary) and last (recency) item in a series, meaning the first items should be more likely to transfer to LTM due to longer rehearsal time and they should remember the last piece of information as it is still in their STM.

Working Model of Memory

Memory is the process by which humans encode, store and retrieve information. The Working model of Memory is a hypothetical model of STM (Short term memory) that contains several components.

• The central executive is an attention control system which has the capacity to focus and divide attention between two or more sources, and switch from one task to another. It can process any sensory information: auditory or visual.

• The phonological loop is the auditory component of STM divided into the articulatory control system which holds information in a verbal form and the phonological store that holds auditory memory traces.

• The visuospatial sketchpad is the visual component of STM that is a temporary store for visual and spatial memory for visual processing.

• The episodic buffer temporarily holds several sources of information active at the same time. As it integrates units of visual, spatial, and verbal information with time sequencing to form a coherent memory.

Schema Theory

• The theory on how humans process information by relating it to existing knowledge.

• It is based on the assumption that humans are ACTIVE PROCESSORS of information

• Schemas are mental representations that are based on prior experiences and/or knowledge.

• They allow us to organize knowledge and they assist in recall, guide behaviour, and make sense of current experiences.

• Whenever new experiences or knowledge is attained assimilation takes place, when we add new information to our existing schema. Accommodation occurs when knowledge that doesn’t fit or challenges our schemas lead to those schemas being restructured or modified to allow a better fit of information.

Dual Processing Model

The dual processing model is composed of two forms of thinking.

System 1 focuses directly on what it sees and ignores absent evidence.

• Quick and bases decisions on past experience and knowledge, meaning that it relies on schema.

• Commonly uses heuristics which are mental shortcuts we use to simplify problems.

• It works automatically but prone to errors due to it being fast

System 2 is more complex and time consuming, but more accurate

• It requires concentration and effort, using logic as conscious reasoning.

• Sometimes our cognitive load is too high, meaning that our working memory is already filled to capacity and thus we cannot allocate cognitive resources towards making a decision.

Overall, the DPM demonstrates that individuals will chose the least demanding course of action to achieve a goal.

Reconstructive Memory

• Research has shown memory is reconstructive, meaning that memories of past events are rebuilt and the brain pieces together many bits of information and fills in gaps to create a coherent memory.

• Due to their reconstructive nature, memories are susceptible to distortion, meaning they can be slightly altered or changed by the brain.

• Reliability of memory can be influenced by many variables such as past experiences (schemas), emotional connection, or the way in which a question is asked.

Influence of emotion on memory

• Flashbulb memories are defined as highly detailed, vivid ‘snapshots’ of an emotionally arousing or surprising event.

• An event that triggers critical levels of surprise may create a permanent detailed record of the event because of the amygdala.

• It is believed to play an important role in emotional aspects of memory since it is said to attach emotional significance to otherwise neutral stimuli.

• Flashbulb memories are maintained through overt and covert rehearsal and are more vivid, long-lasting and accurate. 

Technology (positive)

• Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and achieve humans goals. It has became a staple in most people’s life, taking shape as smartphones, internet, or even transportation.

• It has drastically changed how humans live and has a wide range of effects and implications.

• Research has shown through the usage of technological advancements such as cognitive programs or video games, humans can improve aspects of their memory.

• Memory is the process in which humans encode, store, and retrieve information, so improving it with technology would give a significant advantage.

Technology (negative)

• Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and achieve humans goals. It has became a staple in most people’s life, taking shape as smartphones, internet, or even transportation.

• It has drastically changed how humans live and has a wide range of effects and implications.

• Although there are positive aspects of technology, it has also resulted in many negative consequences for our development. In some ways, technology has completely changed the way we remember information for the worse, having major consequences on memory.  Research demonstrates that individuals have become overly dependent on technology and that it can serve as a significant distraction in educational settings.

  
  

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases are errors in thinking that can affect decision-making. There are many reasons why we can make these biases.

• Firstly, humans are cognitive misers, so we often tend to find shortcuts because we do not always have the time or resources to make a decision, relying on heuristics which are mental shortcuts that are commonly used to simplify problems.

• We allow our cognitive biases to influence our decision-making because we lack self-control or willpower. 

• Lastly, cognitive biases can become apparent when our cognitive load is too high and working memory is at maximum capacity, so we do not have the cognitive resources to allocate towards a task.

One cognitive bias that we commonly subconsciously display is anchoring bias, which is the tendency to heavily rely on the first piece of information offered when making a decision.