4 key assumptions of cognitive approach

Believes İnternal mental processes mediate between the stimulus and response. Therefore cognitive psychologists study memory,attention, language, problem solving and decision making. Since they can’t be directly observed, researchers make inferences about what’s going on in people’s minds based on their behaviour.

People are information processsors and the human mind actively organises and manipulates information which is taken in from the environment via the senses.

The human mind operates the same way as a computer. Both of them code ( turn info into a usable format), store(remember) and output info.this has been helpful in understanding how the mind processes information.

Each individual will respond differently to stimuli in the environment depending on how they make sense of the situation. We do this through schemas( packages of information and knowledge that are developed through experiences) which help us organise info into groups.

SCHEMAS

we use schemas and existing knowledge to help understand new information. However schemas can help contribute to stereotypes as they dismiss pertinent information in order to focus on things that confirm our pre-existing ideas and beliefs. We also fill in blanks if we nab heaps in our memory.

Information processing model describes the mind as a computer and how information is processed leading to a behaviour … input(encoding info from environment), processing(transformation of info using mental processes), output ( behavioural response)

COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes.

In the last 25 years brain imaging like fmri and pet scans have meant scientists can observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes.

Tulvig could show how different types of long term memory were stored in different areas of the brain.Also helped establish a neurological beasts for mental disorders like scizopherenia.

4 PET PARAGRAPHS

less deterministic than behaviourist approach. Cognitive psychologists consider the role of mediational processes so individuals are seen to have a degree of control over what they pay attention to instead of passively responding to stimuli in the environment. This is a strength since it is an example of soft determinism and is more flexible than the behaviourist biological and psychodynamic approach.

Useful theoretical and practical applications. Computer models have been used to develop ail cbt a therapy has been used to treat a number of mental health conditions and has improved quality of life for many and benefits the economy . This is a strength since it has practical benefit of psychology and society. The use of ai increases productivity meaning products can be cheaper for consumers since no one has to get paid.

Uses highly scientific methods of research. Controlled lab experiments are used to study cognitive processes like memory. This is a strength because it means the research findings are high in internal validity due to the control over extraneous variables.

Research methods in this approach often lack ecological validity. Memory is investigated using artificial tasks like memorising a list of words. This is a weakness because the findings may not be generalised to everyday life and may not reflect the effect on our everyday behaviours.