cognitive approach

• Cognitive Approach


  Involves the study of internal mental processes (IMP)
• Examples of internal mental processes


  • Memory
  • Thinking
  • Attention
  • Perception
  • Language
• Internal mental processes cannot be directly observed in the same way that biological processes (e.g. brain structures) can
• In order to investigate internal mental processes researchers must run research and make inferences from their findings
• Cognitive psychologists


  They use theoretical and computer models to understand internal mental processes
• Models


  Used to provide testable theories about mental processes
• Cognitive psychologists use scientific methodology to investigate internal mental processes
• Theoretical models


  Diagrammatic representations of internal mental processes, working like flow charts used in computer programming
• Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)

  • A linear model outlining the stages involved in memory
  • Demonstrates the flow of information as input-storage-retrieval in a systematic way
• Experiments to test the MSM

  • Glanzer & Cunitz (1966)
• Information processing approach


  Explains that information flows through the cognitive system in stages and is transformed
• Computer models


  • The cognitive approach conceptualises the mind using the 'computer analogy'
  • Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer
• Computer models


  • Encoding/coding
  • Storage
  • Output
• Computational modelling has highlighted how the brain carries out a range of functions e.g. anticipating a reward, planning and problem-solving
• Strengths of the cognitive approach

  • The use of lab experiments increases the reliability of the methodology
  • The study of internal mental processes has good scientific validity, particularly with the emergence of cognitive neuroscience
• Weaknesses of the cognitive approach

  • It is an example of machine reductionism, overly contrived and unlike real, unpredictable, multi-faceted, emotional human behaviour
  • The fact that internal mental processes can only be inferred means this approach lacks external validity
• Schemas


  • Shortcuts which facilitate the quick processing of information and stop the brain from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimulation
  • Allow us to predict what may happen and are based on previous experience
  • Act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information
  • Unique to the individual and the experiences they have had
  • Culture has an effect on schemas as it shapes experience
• Babies are born with simple motor schemas for innate behaviours e.g. sucking; as we get older schemas become more complex and sophisticated
• Bartlett's claim about schemas

  Our schemas do not work like a photograph but instead like a notepad, which means the event is reconstructed, our schema affects our thoughts, emotions and behaviours
• Bartlett's 'War of the Ghosts' research (1932)


  1. Told participants (male Cambridge University students) a Native American folk tale

  2. Participants re-told the story to fit their cultural schema by changing some details or leaving out unfamiliar elements
• Bartlett concluded that memory does not record events like a camera, rather it is affected by schema, particularly cultural schema which overlays the original event or message
• Evaluation of Bartlett (1932)

  • The study used a standardised procedure (serial reproduction) so it could be replicated to test for reliability
  • The study lacks temporal validity: modern participants are much more culturally aware than Cambridge university students in the 1930s
  • The findings of this study are still cited in discussions of the reliability of memory, particularly with regard to eyewitness testimony
• Cognitive neuroscience (CN)


  Investigates the relationship/interaction between cognition and neural mechanisms, brain chemistry and brain structure
• Research in cognitive neuroscience

  • Maguire et al. (2000) found increased volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampi of London taxi drivers using MRI technology, linking this structure in the brain to spatial navigation
  • Raine et al. (1997) found via PET scans that impulsive murderers under-utilise their pre-frontal cortex when making decisions which may explain the nature of their crimes
• Applications of cognitive neuroscience

  • To determine the best surgical approach to remove brain tumours
  • To diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries and conditions such as Parkinson's disease
  • To guide surgeons during surgery (rather like the sat-nav on a car)
• Research investigating cognitive neuroscience

  • Tulving et al. (1994) showed that the different types of long-term memory may be located on opposite sides of the prefrontal cortex
  • Braver et al. (1997) suggested that the central executive (working memory model) was located near the prefrontal cortex
• Strengths of cognitive neuroscience

  • CN has real-world applications e.g. in medicine, health, education
  • CN uses objective, scientific methods which increases its reliability
• Weaknesses of cognitive neuroscience

  • Technology such as MRI scans are not 100% reliable due to user-error in calibration, temperature and noise interference
  • CN could be accused of machine reductionism: humans are complex and unpredictable and cannot be likened to an inanimate object