The cognitive approach -A-Level Psychology
Cognitive-relates to mental processes such as perception,memory and reasoning
The cognitive approach-focuses on how internal mental processes affect behaviour
Interfering-reaching a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning
The study of internal mental processes:
The cognitive approach studies information processing and ways in which information is extracted ,stored and retrieved and how this guides behaviour.
These include attention(selecting important information),using it to solve problems(thinking),storing it in memory and retrieving it when needed.
The cognitive approach recognises that mental processes can not be studied directly so are instead studied indirectly through inferring what goes on as a result of measuring behaviour.This allows theories to be formed about how mental processes lead to the observed behaviour.
The role of schemas:
Schema-a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret incoming information in the brain.Schemas help an individual to make sense of new information.They are developed through experience.
Schemas for different events are based on expectations of how to behave in certain situations or roles.
They allow us to make shortcuts when interpreting huge amounts of information on a daily basis.
However,schemas can cause us to exclude and ignore anything that doesn’t conform to the ideas we have already established,focusing on things that conform to our pre-existing beliefs and ideas.
So cognitive processing is affected by pre-existing beliefs and expectations.
Schemas allow us to infer full information about people,events or things when we don’t know everything e.g if you sit next to someone old on the bus,your schemas tell you what to expect and how to act accordingly.
Schemas can also develop stereotypes that are hard to change.
Cognitive processing is affected by pre-existing beliefs and expectations.
The role of theoretical and computer models:
Theoretical models:
-are simplified representations of cognitive processes based on current research evidence
E.g working memory model
-usually pictorial with boxes and arrows
-often incomplete and are frequently changed,updated and refined.
Computer models:
-refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition
-the development of computers and computer programming led to interpret the way sensory information is coded as it passes through the system
-using a computer analogy,information is inputted through senses,encoded into memory and then combined with previous information to complete a task.
E.g computer model of memory
The emergence of cognitive neuroscience:
Cognitive neuroscience- an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural basis of cognitive functions
Neuroscientists are able to study the brain and collect detailed information about the brain structures involved in different kinds of mental processing.
Brain areas can be mapped for specific cognitive functions.
PET,fMRI’s help psychologists understand how the brain supports different cognitive activities and emotions by showing what parts of the brain become active in specific situations.
Evaluation:
Applications of the cognitive approach-has been applied to social psychology and social cognition and has helped psychologists understand how we form impressions of other people.It has also been applied to artificial intelligence.
Scientific and objective methods-research supporting the cognitive approach has taken place in highly controlled settings and been rigorously evaluated to reach accurate conclusions on how the mind works.
Ignores emotion and motivation-the cognitive approach explains how cognitive processes take place but not why they take place.The lack of focus on motivation may be explained by the over dependence on information processing analogies,as motivation can not be applied to a computer.
The cognitive approach is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of mental processes such as thinking, perception, attention, and memory. This approach suggests that our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect our behavior and emotions.
Some key theories associated with the cognitive approach include the Information Processing Model, the Levels of Processing Model, and the Multi-Store Model of Memory.
The cognitive approach suggests that human behavior is influenced by our thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes. It proposes that we actively process information from the environment and use this information to make decisions and behave in certain ways.
The cognitive approach has many practical applications in areas such as education, mental health, and sports performance. For example, it can be used to develop effective teaching strategies, to treat mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, and to improve athletic performance by using mental imagery techniques.
The cognitive approach differs from other approaches such as the behaviorist approach and the biological approach in that it focuses on the mental processes that underlie behavior rather than solely on observable behavior or biological factors.
Some limitations of the cognitive approach include its tendency to oversimplify complex human behavior and its difficulty in explaining emotional and irrational behavior. Additionally, it may not fully account for the influence of cultural and social factors on cognition.
To prepare for A-Level Psychology exams, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the key theories and concepts associated with the cognitive approach. You can use study guides, practice exams, and online resources to help you review and reinforce your knowledge. Additionally, it may be helpful to create flashcards or diagrams to help you memorize key terms and concepts.
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