Cognitive Approach

Created by: Abbie
Created on: 15-06-13 10:26

what are the assumptions/features of the cognitive approach?

cognitive processes mediate between stimulus and response. Internal mental processes can be investigated scientifically. Thoughts influence behaviour. Humans are info processers, similar to a computer.

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Assumptions/features continued?

Humans do not passivley respond to their environment, the human mind activley processes the information recieved. Study of internal mental proceses is important in understanding behaviour.

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how does using computet analogies help us to understand behaviour?

computer termanology has been applied to human cognition. e.g. input, output, storage, info processing. Bottom up and top down processing. Similarities in coding, use of central processing unit for storage of information.

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Limitations of the 'computer analogy'?

Presents human cognition in a predictable/mechanical way. Information can be transfered from one computer to another - doesn't happen with humans.

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how is information processing applied to human behaviour?

based on computer analogy - these models of thought and behaviour view cognitive operations as taking place in stages similar to computer processes. e.g. input, coding,output. e.g. 'multi-store model' investigates cognitive processes occur with age.

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Strengths of the cognitive approach?

Scientific. Tackles areas previously ignored by behaviourist. Avoids reductionist explanation of human behaviour. Useful applications. intergrated into other approaches; e.g. SLT

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Limitations of cognitive approach?

metaphor of 'man as machine' is simplistic, ignores emotional factors in human behaviour. Lab experiments - lacks eco validity. can't generalise.

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Application of cognitive approach?

Cognitive development - childrens minds as computers which gradually develop processing ability. Cognition and law - face recognition; top down/bottom up processing. + cognitive interview - how memory works.

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Card 2

Front

Assumptions/features continued?

Back

Humans do not passivley respond to their environment, the human mind activley processes the information recieved. Study of internal mental proceses is important in understanding behaviour.

Card 3

Front

how does using computet analogies help us to understand behaviour?

Back

Card 4

Front

Limitations of the 'computer analogy'?

Back

Card 5

Front

how is information processing applied to human behaviour?

Back

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Cognitive Approach