evaluate cognitive theories

theories and terms for cognitive topic

strengths of multi-store model 

• straightforward, easy to test, and useful for generating hypotheses about how memory works

• Supported by lab experiments and longitudinal case studies

limitations of multi-store model 

• reductionist: oversimplifies complexity of memory and does not account for other influences such as emotion

• model does not effectively explain why some information is forgotten

strengths of schema theory 

• useful framework for understanding general behaviour and cognitive biases - with real-world relevance and applicability 

• supported by empirical evidence 

limitations of schema theory 

• can be too vague and hard to measure 

• individual differences, everyone has varying schemas of everything 

• many classic studies do not have cross cultural relevance 

strengths of dual processing model 

• consistent with evolution - system 1 for life saving decision and system 2 as a modern adaptation to help think deliberately and carefully 

• explains decision-making in everyday life increases real-world relevance and applicability 

limitations of the dual-processing model

• reductionist as it focuses heavily on cognition but does not account for social, emotional and cultural factors that also influence reasoning and decision-making 

• unclear definitions of the systems that can sometimes overlap 

strengths of anchoring bias 

• cross-cultural applicability: research over a wide range of cultural setting hence may reflect universal cognitive bias in human thinking 

• ecological validity in real-world decision making 

limitations of anchoring bias

• reductionist explanation - oversimplifies decision-making by focusing on one heuristic and neglecting other factors e.g. prior knowledge

• artificiality of experimental research - studies often involve unrealistic tasks which reduces ecological validity and raises questions about whether the bias as strong in complex, real-world decisions 

strengths of flashbulb memory

• high ecological validity of studies as they involve participants experiencing real life events 

• biological support - evidence for neurological basis - amygdala and adrenaline 

limitations of flashbulb memory 

• research findings are usually correlational, meaning causal relationships cannot be drawn

• difficult to objectively measure level of emotion, stress or compare relative impact of emotional events - often self-reported or assumed emotional impact