cognitive approach

key assumptions of the cog approach

behaviours can be explained by

• behaviour can be explained by information stored in schemata -schema theory

• comparing thought processes to computer processes through cognitive models

• studying the physical brain-based processes through cognitive neuroscience

3 mental processes

• perception - processing stimuli in the environment

• attention - selecting which stimuli to focus on

• memory - storing info in the mind

usually occur in sequence but sometimes in parallel

what is a theoretical model

framework used to make inferences about mental processes. tested by observing behaviour

what is schema theory

a mental framework we form from our experiences. effects our expectations and behaviour

assimilation means…

when an experience matches our schema

accommodation means

changing our schema to make sense of new experiences

research support for existence of schema

BARTLETT

• had english participants read a navajo folktale

• asked to recall story

• measured how many details they got wrong

• found participants changed details of the story to match their own schemas

strengths of cog approach

• highly scientific - based on observable behaviour (relies on empirical evidence)

• lab experiments - control extraneous variables (b&h)

• can be applied to understanding and treating mental disorders (implemented in cbt)

weaknesses of cog approach

• lab experiments - lack eco validity

• ignores possibility there are individual differences in peoples mental processes

• machine reductionist - ignores non-computable human variables like anxiety, irrationality, and emotional attachment