CiCC - Intro
Cognition in Clinical Contexts
Cognition = All processes by which the sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered and used.
Introspectionists = Use examination of one’s own conscious thoughts/feelings usually using poor methodology
Behaviourists = Believe we learn through conditioned interaction with the environment. They use strong observable methodology.
Gestalt Theorists = Brought back mental processes as a viable area of study.
Cognitive Psychology began to emerge in 1950s as the Computer emerged provided a suitable comparison for the mind.
Why do we need metaphors/models?
Scientific theories aim to be refutable
We are not able to actually “see” cognition
Models are evaluated against data and can be altered.
4 approaches to testing models:
Experimental Psychology
Experiments with healthy humans involving large sample sizes
Computational Psychology
Uses computer simulations of cognitive processes. It often involves neural processes
Cognitive Neuropsychology/(neuropsychiatry)
Studies the consequences of brain damage. Uses single case studies.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Studies how the brain implements cognitive functions. Uses scans (EEGs, fMRIs, etc)