This document covers all elements of the Cognitive Approach in psychology including assumptions, studies, strengths and weaknesses. It provides both information and inspiration to those who struggle with writing and organising notes.
Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of the mind as an information processor. It
investigates the way we take in information from the outside world and how we make sense
of that information. In direct contrast to the behaviourist approach, the cognitive approach
argues that mental processes should be studied, e.g. studying perception and memory.
Assumptions:
Humans are information processors and that our minds are like computers in the
sense that we transfer, store and retrieve information from memory.
Psychology should be seen and studied as a science. Cognitive psychologists use
controlled, scientific methods for investigating behaviour and use the results of their
investigations as the basis for making inferences about mental processes.
Mediational processes occur between stimulus and response
Schema:
Schema are packages of information developed through experience
They act as a ‘mental framework’ for the interpretation of incoming information
received by the cognitive system
Babies are born with simple motor schema for innate behaviours such as sucking
and grasping.
As we get older, our schema become more detailed and sophisticated
Theoretical Models:
The information processing approach suggests that information flows through a
sequence of stages that include input, storage and retrieval, as in the multi-store
model
Computer Models:
Computer models refer to programmes that can be run on a computer to imitate the
human mind (e.g. conversational machines deal with consumer enquiries)
By running such a programme psychologists can test their ideas about information
processing.
Cognitive Neuroscience:
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the influence of brain structures
(neuro) on mental processes (cognition)
With advances in brain scanning technology in the last twenty years, scientists have
been able to describe the neurological basis of mental processing
Scanning techniques have also proved useful in establishing the neurological basis
of some disorders, e.g. OCD
Strengths of the Cognitive Approach:
It uses scientific and objective methods:
o Cognitive psychologists have always employed controlled and rigorous
methods of study, e.g. lab studies, in order to infer cognitive processes at
work.
o In addition the two fields of biology and cognitive psychology come together
(cognitive neuroscience) to enhance the scientific basis of study. This means
that the study of the mind has established a credible, scientific basis.
Another strength of the approach is the application to everyday life
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