The Cognitive Approach

Assumptions: Internal mental processes can, and should be studied scientifically. It investigates areas of human behaviour neglected by behaviourists, such as memory, perception and thinking. Cognitive psychologists study this indirectly by making inferences on the basis of their behaviour.

Theoretical models: One beneficial theoretical model is the information processing approach, which suggests information flows throught the cognitive system in stages, that include: input, storage and retrieval - multi-store model.

Computer models: This is where the mind is compared to a computer - 'the computer analogy' This suggests that there are similarities in the way information is processed. It uses concepts like, central processing unit, coding, and storage. Such models have proven useful in the development artifical intelligence.

Schemas: These are 'packages' of ideas and information developed through experience, which consequently affects cognitive processing. It acts as a mental framework for…