The Cognitive Approach

What is the Cognitive Approach?

Involves the study of internal mental process - memory, thinking, attention, perception

How are internal processes observed?

Researchers must conduct research and make inferences from their findings

How do cognitive psychologists understand internal mental processes?

Use theoretical and computer models. Models provide testable theories about mental processes and use scientific methodology - if a theory is testable, it is scientific

Theoretical models

Diagrammatic representations of IMP. Demonstrates how info flows as input, storage, retrieval

The Computer Analogy

Humans are seen as information processers who process information. Information moves through the computer model in a sequence of stages

Schema

Mental frameworks, collection of basic knowledge about a concept. Facilitate fast processing of info and stop the mind from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimulation

What is schema’s role?

Allows people to predict what may happen based on previous experience. Act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming info

First strength

Has a good application as it has contributed to the development of AI due to its use of theoretical and computer models. Highlights the usefulness of the theory

Second strength

Uses objective scientific methods. Cognitive psychologists use high controlled methods, so they are able to infer cognitive processes. Involves using lab studies to produce reliable data

Counterpoint of the second strength

Cognitive psychology uses interference of mental processes, can be too abstract. Research studies of mental processes are often carried out using artificial stimuli, may not represent everyday life. May lack external validity - ecological

First limitation

Based on machine reductionism. Makes direct comparisons between a computer and human, seems artificial and forced. Human cognition is often unpredictable, a computer isn’t designed in the same way. The computer analogy has limited application to cognition

Second strength

Internal mental processes can only be inferred, means that the cognitive approach to explaining behaviour is abstract and detached from real life. Lacks external validity