Cognitive concepts

Cognitive approach definiton

Behaviour is based on patterns of thinking

Bias

systematic deviation from the norm or rationality when making a judgement call

Anchoring bias

an individual relies too heavily on the initial piece of information that was offered (the anchor) when making decisions

Heuristic

shortcuts about judgements - mental shortcuts that can be used to make decisions quicker

Availability heuristic

a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples when making a decision

Representative heuristics

making a decision based on traits of an individual or objects that “represent” something to you

Schema theory

Explains how our minds organize information (knowledge and memories)

Schema theory central claim

We categorize and organize information in our memory into clusters called schema. This can influence how we behave and think (cognition and behaviour)

Schema

A cognitive framework. Schemas are clusters that are groups of related information that we store in our mind.

Characteristics of schema

1. Collections of long lasting memory

2. Difficult to change

3. E.g once we develop a stereotype it is difficult to change as it based off of a large amount of information

Function of schema

1. Allow us to comprehend, improve and process information

2. Simplify a complex world

3. Allows us to make generalizations which save cognitive energy

Schema influence on behaviour

1. Help improve our comprehension (make sense of new information by relating it to existing knowledge)

2. Confirmation bias, tendency to focus on and remembering details that are consistent with existing beliefs.

Reconstructive memory

Memories are not saved as coherent wholes. They are actively and consciously rebuilt when trying to recall certain events

Memory retrieval

Memory retrieval is influenced by our perceptions, beliefs, past experiences, schema and the context we are in when recalling them.

Transactive memory

We have externally memory sources available to us thus do not bother encoding information internally.

Nondeclarative memory

memory used for skills and motion (how to ride a bike)

Declarative memory

used for facts and information (phone number)

Social-comparison theory

people value and asses their own worth by comparing themselves to others