The cognitive approach: the study of internal mental processes, the role of
schema, the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make
inferences about mental processes. The emergence of cognitive
neuroscience.
Believes that internal mental processes (memory, attention etc) can be studied
in a scientific way using scientific methods such as lab experiments and brain
scans to study the mind.
Theoretical and computer models
Assumption 1: Theoretical models helps us to understand internal mental
processes, an example being the multi store model of memory which suggests
that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages:
information comes from our senses (input), the info is stored and processed in
our mind (storage) and the info is retrieved from our mind and can affect how
we behave (retrieval).
Assumption 2: A schema is a package of knowledge, ideas and information that
has developed over time through experience e.g., eating, catching a bus etc. It
acts as a mental framework for all information we receive through the
cognitive system and helps us to process lots of information quickly and
respond appropriately. If we encounter stimuli which conflict with our
schemas, we reconstruct our memory of the stimuli to fit in with our schema
known as reconstructive memory. A schema might not be useful because it
could lead to reconstructive memory meaning we could misinterpret the
information as seen in the Allport and postman study where people saw from
an illustration a scruffy black man attacking a smart white man when in reality
it was the opposite way round.
Strength 1 – uses scientific research methods such as brains scans and lab
experiments which produces reliable and objective data. This means that the
study of the way the human mind works now has a credible scientific basis.
evidence from brain scan studies show different types of memory are stored in
different parts of the brain.
Less determinist than other approaches. Soft determinism – recognises our
cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know, but we
are free to think before responding to a stimulus.
schema, the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make
inferences about mental processes. The emergence of cognitive
neuroscience.
Believes that internal mental processes (memory, attention etc) can be studied
in a scientific way using scientific methods such as lab experiments and brain
scans to study the mind.
Theoretical and computer models
Assumption 1: Theoretical models helps us to understand internal mental
processes, an example being the multi store model of memory which suggests
that information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages:
information comes from our senses (input), the info is stored and processed in
our mind (storage) and the info is retrieved from our mind and can affect how
we behave (retrieval).
Assumption 2: A schema is a package of knowledge, ideas and information that
has developed over time through experience e.g., eating, catching a bus etc. It
acts as a mental framework for all information we receive through the
cognitive system and helps us to process lots of information quickly and
respond appropriately. If we encounter stimuli which conflict with our
schemas, we reconstruct our memory of the stimuli to fit in with our schema
known as reconstructive memory. A schema might not be useful because it
could lead to reconstructive memory meaning we could misinterpret the
information as seen in the Allport and postman study where people saw from
an illustration a scruffy black man attacking a smart white man when in reality
it was the opposite way round.
Strength 1 – uses scientific research methods such as brains scans and lab
experiments which produces reliable and objective data. This means that the
study of the way the human mind works now has a credible scientific basis.
evidence from brain scan studies show different types of memory are stored in
different parts of the brain.
Less determinist than other approaches. Soft determinism – recognises our
cognitive system can only operate within the limits of what we know, but we
are free to think before responding to a stimulus.
