The Cognitive Approach & Psychodynamic Approach

What is The Cognitive Approach?

• It’s all about how we think.

• Studies internal mental processes like memory, attention, and perception.

• Focuses on how the brain processes information (both consciously and unconsciously).

What is the schema?

• Mental shortcuts or frameworks built from past experiences.

• Help us quickly understand the world.

How do Schemas work?

Like mental templates for people, places, and things.

• Help us respond automatically in familiar situations.

Advantages of Schemas

• Save brainpower – don’t need to re-learn everything.

• Help predict behaviour and understand what’s happening around us.

Weaknesses of Schemas

• leads to inaccurate recall

• Negative schemas = bad mental health (e.g., in depression).

What is The Computer Model Analogy?

Mind is compared to a computer.

Brain = CPU, takes in input, processes it, and gives output.

Criticism:

• Too simplistic – brains have emotions and irrational thoughts; computers don’t.

What are theoretical models?

Flowcharts of mental processes.

• Example: Multi-Store Model of Memory – shows how memory moves from sensory → short-term → long-term.

Criticisms of The Computer Model

overly simplistic

cognitive neuroscience

Combines psychology + brain science.

• Studies how brain structure and chemicals affect thoughts and behavior.

• Uses tools like fMRI and brain scans.

Weakness of the Cognitive Approach

Weaknesses of the Cognitive Approach

• Lab studies = too artificial.

• E.g., remembering word lists doesn’t reflect real life.

 

Strengths of The cognitive Approach

• Useful – led to CBT therapy, improved eyewitness accuracy, and AI development.

• Soft determinism – mix of biology + free will.

CBT teaches people to change their thinking and take control of their behavior.

The Mind’s Structure

1. Conscious: What you’re aware of (thoughts, feelings).

2. Preconscious: Just below awareness — memories you can recall.

3. Unconscious: Biggest part — hidden memories, desires, fears; drives behavior.

Unconscious Mind’s Role

Holds repressed memories and conflicts.

• Influences behavior without us knowing.

• Protects us using defence mechanisms.

• Behaviours are shaped by childhood conflicts (psychic determinism).

Personality Structure (Tripartite Model)

1. Id (from birth):

• Pleasure-seeker

• Unconscious

• Wants instant gratification

2. Ego (from 18 months):

• Reality checker

• Rational mediator between Id and Superego

• Mostly conscious

3. Superego (from age 3):

• Morality police

• Guilt enforcer

• Internalised values from parents and society

Imbalance in Personality

Weak superego: Id dominates = criminal behavior.

• Overly strong superego: Excessive guilt, self-punishment.

• Deviant superego: Internalises immoral values (e.g. from criminal parents).

Psychosexual Stages

Old Age People Love Golf

1. Oral (0–1 yr): Pleasure from mouth (e.g. feeding).

• Fixation: needy, immature

2. Anal (1–3 yrs): Pleasure from bowel control.

• Strict toilet training = anal-retentive (fussy, stubborn)

3. Phallic (3–5 yrs): Pleasure from genitals.

• Oedipus complex (boys): Desire mother, fear father

• Electra complex (girls): Desire father, hate mother

• Fixation: narcissism, relationship issues

4. Latency (6–12 yrs): Libido dormant; focus on learning.

• Conflicts are repressed

5. Genital (12+ yrs): Sexual desires become conscious.

• Healthy adult = balance between id, ego, superego

Defence Mechanisms (Used by Ego to reduce anxiety)

• Denial – Refusing to accept reality

• Displacement – Redirecting feelings to a weaker target

• Repression – Pushing distressing thoughts into unconscious

Strengths of Psychodynamic Approach

• Impact: Influenced theories like Bowlby’s attachment.

• Face Validity: People relate to ideas like denial or childhood trauma.

• Therapy: Psychoanalysis shown effective (De Maat meta-analysis).

Weaknesses of Psychodynamic Approach

• Unscientific: Based on case studies & subjective interpretation.

• Little Hans case: Biased, unreplicable.

• Unfalsifiable: Can’t prove wrong – any behavior “fits” the theory.