Cognitive approach

Assumptions

In a direct contrast to the behaviourist approach the cognitive approach argues that internal mental processes can and should be scientifically studied

We cannot directly see processes such as thinking but we can infer what a person is thinking based on how they act

Main assumption is that info received from our senses is processed by the brain and that this processing directs the way we behave

Role of schema

Schemas are a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing which are deveoped from experience

Babies are born with simple motor schema for innate behaviours such as sucking or grasping 

As we get older our schemas become more detailed and sophisticated 

Schema enable us to process lots of information quickly 

However schemas may also distort our interpretation of information 

The use of models

A model is a representation of something else

The computer model was used as a way to represent the processes taking place in the human mind

Just like a computer receives inputs has a processor and produces outputs. the mind receives information and outputs data

Such models are useful because they mean that abstract processes can be represented to make invisible processes visible

Making inferences

Cognitive psychologists use models to hep them understand internal mental processes

Mental processes cannot be directly observed so cognitive psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences