PSYCH: Cognitive approach definitions

Cognition

Refers to all mental structures and processes involved in the reception, storage, and use of knowledge

Cognitive schema

A network of knowledge, beliefs, and expectations about particular aspects of the world, used as a means of simplifying reality

Model

A visual representation of a theory designed to explain it. Helps us to understand how something works

Multi-store memory model

Sensory memory

Takes information from one of the sense organs and hold it in the same form (iconic or echoic)

Iconic memory

Visual information from the eyes (stored as images

Iconic memory duration

0.2-0.4 seconds

Echoic memory

Auditory input from the ears, stored as sounds

Echoic memory duration

3-4 seconds

Short term memory

Capacity: 7±2 items

Duration: 20 seconds

Long-term memory

Capacity: unlimited

Duration: lifetime

Working memory model

Working memory

The small amount of information that can be held in the mind and during the execution of cognitive tasks. It is information that is held and manipulated in conscious attention

Central executive

In control of the working memory, allowing concentration to be regulated

Phonological loop

Holds and manipulates auditory information in the working memory

Visuospatial sketchpad

Holds and manipulates visual information in the working memory

Episodic buffer

Temporary store that connects LTM to be ready for use when needed

System 1 thinking

• Relies on LTM

• Fast, automatic & effortless

• intuitive

• employs heuristics

• little concentration required

• not linked to cognitive ability or intelligence

System 2 thinking

• Relies on Working memory

• Slow, conscious, requires effort

• rational thinking

• logical

• reliable

• strongly linked to cognitive ability and intelligence

Thinking

The process of using knowledge and information to makes plans, interpret the world, and make predictions about the world in general

Decision-making

A component of thinking defined as the process of identifying and choosing alternative based on the values and preferences of the decision-maker

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts that allow people to solve problems and make judgements quickly and efficiently

Bias

Heuristic that affects out ability to make a rational decison

Anchoring bias

A heuristic describing the human tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the anchor) when making decisions.

Reconstructive memory

Human memory is not an exact copy of events but rather a reconstruction that may be altered over time. MEMORY IS MALLEABLE

• Memory may be changed during storage, processing and retrieval due to schema processing.

Leading questions

Questions that have content or are phrased in a way to suggest a certain answer.

Flashbulb memory

A highly detailed, exceptionally vivid snapshot of the moment when a surprising and emotionally arousing event happened.