Cognitive Approach AO1

Cognitive approach

Methodology - Scientific, case study, experimental

Issues and debates - Reductionist, deterministic

Main assumptions

• All behaviour is driven by internal mental processing
• Works in a similar way to a computer - Input information via the senses -> Processes it -> then  Output appropriate behaviour

The role of the schema

Schemas are specific mental structures or frameworks that we build up through experience. They enable us to process information quickly, essentially a short cut to processing that prevents us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. Through experience we develop mental representations of how things look and work.

Mental processing

Brain encodes, stores and retrieves information, behaviour is a result of information processing within the brain

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