Cognitive Approach

What are the 3 main assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Internal mental processes influence behaviour eg. perception, memory, attention, thinking

Internal mental processes can be studied scientifically through observable behaviour eg. performance on memory tests

Theoretical and computer models can be used to explain mental processes = machine reductionism (multi-store model and computer analogy)

Cognitive Approach

Focuses on how our mental processes affect behaviour

Cognitive Modelling: Input

Environmental stimuli enter the mind via sensory organs (e.g., hearing "hello")

Cognitive Modelling: Processing (2)

Internal mental mechanisms encode and store information

Then, they evaluate and retrieve relevant data from memory to determine an appropriate reaction

Cognitve modelling: Output

The resulting behavioral response is executed (e.g., answering "Hi, how are you?").

Internal Mental Processes (2)

Private operations of the mind such as perception and attention

They mediate between stimulus and response

Schema (2)

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing

They are developed from experience

Inference (2)

The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate

This is on the basis of observed behaviour

Cognitive neuroscience (3)

The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

Alternate to relying purely on inferred diagrams

Researchers use advanced neuroimaging techniques to observe live brain activity during cognitive task

Heuristics (2)

Mental shortcuts in our schema

Allows us to make automatic decisions quickly and without thinking

Schemata (4)

Used to filter what we need to pay attention to

Works like a spotlight on stage - processing every single environmental stimulus in real time would overwhelm the mind

Allow individuals to navigate complex situations efficiently

Enable rapid, automatic decision-making through heuristics (mental shortcuts)

Schemata: Disadvantages (2)

Rely on pre-existing expectations

Therefore, can distort sensory processing, leading to perceptual errors and cognitive biases

What is Becks Triad? (3)

Cognitive model on depression

Negative schema (negative thought processes developed from negative experiences)

Negative views about the world →Negative views about the future → Negative views about oneself

PET Scan (2)

Positron Emission Tomography

Uses a radioactive tracer, usually glucose (by injection) to track blood flow and determine where brain activity is occuring

fMRI scan (3)

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Uses a magnetic field and radio pulse to flip hydrogen atoms - release energy when the flip back to help map internal structures

Tracks blood flow by concentration of oxygenated haemoglobin - more blood flow shows where brain activity is happening