Cognitive Approach

Question 1

Define Cognitive

Answer 1

Relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning.

Question 2

Basic Assumptions

Answer 2

• our mental systems have limited capacity
• a control mechanism oversees all mental processes
• there is a two way flow of information

Question 3

Define Schema

Answer 3

An organized mental map of knowledge about a particular object or sequence of events.

Question 4

Define Role Schema

Answer 4

Makes assumptions about how individuals in certain roles will behave.

Question 5

Define Event Scheme

Answer 5

Also called scripts, what you anticipate to happen in different situations.

Question 6

Define Self-Schemas

Answer 6

Contain information about ourselves based on physical characteristics and personality as well as values and beliefs.

Question 7

What are the problems with Schemas?

Answer 7

• can stop people learning new information as if it doesn’t fit into a Schema, it may be ignored
• can cause prejudice

Question 8

What are Computer Models?

Answer 8

Cognitive psychologists use the basics of a computer to describe human cognitive processes: information comes in from the world via sense organs, processed in brain, sent out for action.

Question 9

Problems with Computer Models

Answer 9

• computers aren’t influenced by emotions or motivation so cannot be directly compared to humans
• computers have a limited but reliable memory whereas humans have an unlimited but unreliable memory
• computers don’t have free will or a conscious

Question 10

Define Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 10

An area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions.

Question 11

Define Lesion Studies

Answer 11

Looking at people with brain damage to see how it affects their behaviours.

Question 12

Define Electrophysiology

Answer 12

Using electric and magnetic fields to measure brain activity and brain waves.

Question 13

Define Neuroimaging

Answer 13

Pinpointing areas of the brain which are active when tasks are being performed using technology such as MRI and fMRI scans.

Question 14

General Strengths of Cognitive Approach

Answer 14

• scientific methods provide various insights into the brain functions during behaviour
• considers cognitive processes which are often overlooked
• had big influence on the development of therapies

Question 15

General Weaknesses of Cognitive Approach

Answer 15

• too many major differences between humans and computers,e.g. computers don’t make mistakes
• ignores the emotion and motivation behind a behaviour
• research studies often lack ecological validity (artificial settings)