Cognitive Approach

Outline the Cognitive approach

The belief that mental processes can and should be studies scientifically and as a result, how they impact our behaviour

What are the assumptions of the Cognitive Approach

• Our internal mental processes can and should be studied scientifically (memory, perceptions and thinking)

• Internal mental processes are studied indirectly through inferences

Define inference

Drawing conclusions about mental processes on the basis of observed behaviour

Define Schema

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing

• they are developed from experience

How do Schemas develop as we age

• Babies are born with basic motor schemas (grasping and sucking)

• As we age, our schemas become more sophisticated and detailed, as we have mental representations for everything

What are the benefits of schemas

• They allow us to process new information quickly as it becomes a mental shortcut

• Prevents us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli

What are the limitations of schema

They can distort our perceptions of sensory information which can lead to perceptual errors

How are theoretical and computer models different

• Theoretical Models are abstract

• Computer models are concrete

Define Cognitive neuroscience

The scientific study on brain structures on mental processes

What is Broca's area

• what did he identify

The frontal lobe

• damage to the frontal lobe can impair speech

Define Semantic Memory

The focus on facts, ideas and concepts

Define Episodic memory

Refers to the recalling of particular and subjective life experiences

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach

• what scientific methods do they use

• is it credible

• can it be applied to real life

• Uses objective scientific methods

• The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has allowed biology and and cognitive psychology to merge - which means it has a credible scientific basis

• Has practical applications (AI and reliability of eyewitness testimonies)

What are the limitations of the cognitive approach

• what does it rely on

• how is research conducted, so what does it lack as a result

• what is it based on

• Relies on inferences of behaviour, rather than what is directly observable

• Researcher is often conducted in a Lab, although this produces reliable data, there will be low external validity

• Based on machine reductionism, which ignores factors like human emotion and motivation and the effect this has on the cognitive system

Define Soft determinism

The view that human behaviour may be determined by internal and external factors but can also exert our free will at times

Define Hard Determinism

All behaviour is determined by factors other than free will, such as conditioning and genes

Define Event Schema

• Describe behavioural and event sequences and daily activities

• These provide a basis for anticipating the future, setting objectives, and making plans

Define self-schema

• A term used to describe the knowledge that people accumulate about themselves by interacting with the natural world and with other human beings

Define Role schema

Invoke knowledge about how people are supposed to behave based on their roles in particular social situations

Define object schema

• Helps to interpret inanimate objects

• They inform people’s understanding of what objects are, how they should function, and what someone can expect from them

What is an example of a theoretical model

The MSM

• This is a diagrammatic representation of memory and therefore a theoretical model

• A knowledge structure that allows organisms to interpret and understand the world around them

• Schemata is a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently.

Define schema

Define Machine reductionism

To reduce complex thought processes to simple mechanical functions