cognitive psychology

Assumption 1 - humans operate similarly to a computer

Humans work similarly to a computer in the way that they input information from the environment, process it, store it and recall it from our long term memory when needed.

Multi-store model of memory

Atkinson and Shiffrin 1968

Assumption 2 - internal mental processes

Perception - process by which we take in information from our environment and use that information in order to interact with our environment.

Memory - process in the storage and subsequent retrieval of information

language - a formal system of communication which involves the combination of words and/or symbols

Attention - taking possession of the mind in a clear vivid form. It implies withdrawl from somethings in order to deal with other things

Introspection

Self-observation and reporting ( analysis and verbalisation ) of our own inner thoughts and desires

Mark Griffiths 1994

Used introspection on people with gambling addictions

He found that they were thinking irrationally

Assumption 3 - schemas

A mental packet of information about some aspect of the world

Primarily visual but not always

Sometimes built from our experiences but also from conversation, media and stereotypes

These are stored in our long term memory

Dion 1972

The halo effect - A generalisation of positive attributes associated with a person we find attractive and therefore link good qualities to them even with no evidence of those good qualities. We tend to look over flaws and negative traits and put them in a more positive light. This could increase if we want to have a relationship with this person.

Self-schema

How we mentally organise and interpret things about ourselves

Formation of relationships - schemas - the matching hypothesis

The matching hypothesis - states that we are attracted to people which we believe match us in terms of physical attractiveness. Therefore, if a person's self - schema is that they are highly attractive, they would try their luck with someone who is highly attractive. However, if a person's self schema is that they are unattractive they are more likely to seek a partner who is also unattractive due to fear of rejection.

Formation of relationships - internal mental processes - perception

The way we perceive someone to be eg. Physically attractive, funny, kind. Can make us attracted to a person and therefore make it more likely for a romantic relationship to develop.

Formation of relationships - internal mental processes - memory

The memories we have of our past relationships, if they are good memories then it can make us more likely to be attracted to a certain type of person and also leave us with a fond memories of being in a relationship in general however, if the memories of the relationship is bad, we might decide to stay away from a certain type of person in the future or to avoid romantic relationships altogether

Other relationships

Sibling - we may believe that our siblings match our self - schema in terms of physical attributes and personality traits

Friendship - we may have positive memories of meeting new people resulting in a larger friend group and lots of friendships

Pet and pet owner - a pet may nuzzle up to it's owner - this information is input and processed as something rewarding, the owner will then output their behaviour in the form of a treat

Mother and child - A mother may see parts of her self - schema in her child increasing the initial bond between them

What is REBT

Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy

What does REBT aim to do?

It challenges irrational thoughts and change then to rational ones this will then change behaviour too.

Main components of REBT - ABC model

Activating event - stimulus that lead to a negative thought