Cognitive approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of behaviourism?

Answer 1

• Only observable behaviours are relevant
• All private mental processes (i.e. thinking) are irrelevant
• All behaviour is learned, babies are born as a ‘blank slate’

Question 2

What are the assumptions of the Cognitive Approach?

Answer 2

• Private mental processes are relevant, and can be thought of as similar to a computer
• They are investigated through making inferences based on behaviour

Question 3

What are schemas?

Answer 3

• Beliefs/expectations/ideas that are developed through experience
• Allows info to be processed quickly and prevents overload of info
• May distort interpretations

Question 4

Explain models of thinking in regards to the cognitive approach

Answer 4

• Theoretical models and computer models
• Theoretical model: information processing approach (input -> storage -> retrieval)

Question 5

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 5

• It is the dominant approach in modern psychology
• Has real applications in AI development, treating depression and improving EWT
• Uses scientific methods (lab studies, cognitive neuroscience)

Question 6

What are the limitations of the cognitive approach?

Answer 6

• Lacks external validity as it relies on inference
• Computer analogy ignores human emotion

Question 7

What are the functions of the nervous system?

Answer 7

• Collect, process and respond to information
• Coordinate the body’s functions

Question 8

List the parts of a neuron

Answer 8

• Cell body
• Dendrites
• Axon
• Myelin sheath
• Nodes of Ranvier
• Terminal button

Question 9

List the parts involved in synaptic transmission

Answer 9

• Pre-synaptic nerve terminal
• Vesicle
• Neurotransmitters
• Synapse
• Post-synaptic receptor sites