Cognitive approach, schemas, models

What are the key assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Key assumptions of the cognitive approach=

• mind should he studied scientifically as an information processor through laboratory experiments

• processing can be explained through cognitive models, many of which use a computer analogy

• behaviour is largely explained through internal mental processes such as mediational processes that occur between stimulus & response (nature and nurture)

What does the cognitive approach do?

Cognitive approach=

• studies information

• looking at ways we identify (attention)

• use (thinking)

• store (recall) information

• work is often based on inference or a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning

What is the main function of a schema?

The main function of a scheme is to help organise and interpret new information to maintain consistent behaviour in common situations (filing cabinet analogy)

• What are examples of schemas?

Examples of schemas=

• Object (knowledge of patterns/shapes)

• Person (knowledge of characteristics of others)

• Social (knowledge of your position in a social situation)

• Self (knowledge of your own characteristics)

• Role (knowledge of your expected behaviour in a position)

• Event (knowledge of the situation itself)

What is the problem of schemas?

The problem with schemas is that they

• cause people to exclude things they are not used to, so full in knowledge gaps with inaccurate information

• for example, if we see an old person in public, our schemas will help us to act accordingly + form negative stereotype

What type of models are there?

Type of models=

• Thinking models e.g multi-store model of memory

• Computer models = based on a computer analogy

What is the example of the computer analogy?

Example of the computer analogy=

sensory register(input) ➡STM(processing) ➡LTM(output)