Cognitive psychology focuses on how people perceive, store and interpret information: studying processes like perception, memory, thinking and problem solving. Unlike behaviourists cognitive psychologists believe that it is necessary to look at internal mental processes in order to understand behaviour. Much of cognitive psychology uses an information processing model, information received through the senses is processed by various systems in the brain. Because the information processing approach was first used to describe the way in which computers processed information, what goes on in the human brain is often explained using computer metaphors such as encoding, processing and retrieval.
The study of internal mental processes
The cognitive approach studies processing, the ways in which we extract, store and retrieve information that helps to guide our behaviour. Many kinds of mental processes contribute towards information processing. These include selecting important information (attention) using it to solve problems (thinking) sorting it in memory and retrieving it as and when needed. The cognitive approach recognises that these mental processes cannot be studied directly but must be studied indirectly by inferring what goes on as a result of measuring behaviour. This enables cognitive psychologists to develop theories about the mental processes that led to the observed behaviour.
The role of schemas
A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain. For example schemas for specific events are based on expectations of how to behave in different situations such as in the classroom, and in different roles such as a guard in a mock prison. Schemas are useful to us because they allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting the huge amount of information that we have to deal with on a daily basis. However they can also cause us to exclude anything that doesn't conform with our established ideas about the world focusing instead on things that confirm our pre-existing beliefs and ideas. Schemas help us fill in the gaps in the absence of full information about a person, event or thing. For example if we classify something our schemas will tell us exactly what to expect and we act accordingly . A consequence of this is that we may develop stereotypes that are difficult to disconfirm, even when faced with new and conflicting information.
The cognitive approach studies processing, the ways in which we extract, store and retrieve information that helps to guide our behaviour. Many kinds of mental processes contribute towards information processing. These include selecting important information (attention) using it to solve problems (thinking) sorting it in memory and retrieving it as and when needed. The cognitive approach recognises that these mental processes cannot be studied directly but must be studied indirectly by inferring what goes on as a result of measuring behaviour. This enables cognitive psychologists to develop theories about the mental processes that led to the observed behaviour.
The role of schemas
A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain. For example schemas for specific events are based on expectations of how to behave in different situations such as in the classroom, and in different roles such as a guard in a mock prison. Schemas are useful to us because they allow us to take shortcuts when interpreting the huge amount of information that we have to deal with on a daily basis. However they can also cause us to exclude anything that doesn't conform with our established ideas about the world focusing instead on things that confirm our pre-existing beliefs and ideas. Schemas help us fill in the gaps in the absence of full information about a person, event or thing. For example if we classify something our schemas will tell us exactly what to expect and we act accordingly . A consequence of this is that we may develop stereotypes that are difficult to disconfirm, even when faced with new and conflicting information.
The role of theoretical and computer models
Theoretical models in cognitive psychology are models such as the multi store model of memory or the working memory model are simplified representations based on current research evidence. Models are often pictorial in nature and represented by boxes and arrows that indicate cause and effect or the stages of a particular mental process.
Computer models - development of computers and computer programming led to a focus on the way in which sensory information is coded as it passes through the system. Using a computer analogy information is inputted through the senses, encoded in the memory and then combined with previously stored information to complete the task. The computer model of memory is a good example, information is stored on the hard disk is like long term memory and RAM (random access memory) corresponds to working memory. The idea of working memory as a temporary workspace fits the computer model nicely as, like working memory RAM is cleared and reset when the task being carried out is finished.
The emergence of cognitive neuroscience.
The rapid advances in the ways of studying the brain in the latter part of the 20th century has meant that neuroscientists are now able to study the living brain, giving them detailed information about brain structures involved in different kinds of mental processing- cognitive neuroscience. The use of non-invasive neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (FRMI) helps psychologists to understand how the brain supports different cognitive activities and emotions by showing what parts of the brain become active in specific circumstances. Bruner et al (2009) found that when people feel guilty several brain regions are active, including the medial prefrontal cortex, an area associated with social emotions.
Evaluation
Strengths of the cognitive approach- it has been applied in many other areas of psychology, in social psychology research in social cognition has helped psychologists better understand how we form impressions of other people, as well as the errors and biases that influence our interpretation of the causes of their behaviour. The cognitive approach to psychopathology has been used to explain how much of the dysfunctional behaviour shown by some people can be traced back to a faulty thinking process. This has led to the successful treatment of people suffering from illnesses such as depression and OCD using cognitive based therapies.
The cognitive approach is scientific- emphasis on scientific methods is a particular strength of this approach. The use of experimental methods provides researchers with rigorous method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach accurate conclusions about how the mind works. Meaning conclusions about how the mind works are based on far more than common sense and introspection as these can give a misleading picture of mental processes, many of which are not consciously accessible.
Limitations of computer models- uses of computer models to explain human coding- there is an important difference between the sort of information processing that takes place within a computer program and the information processing which takes place within the human mind. Computers don't make mistakes, nor would they ignore valuable information or forget anything that has been stored in their drives- humans on the other hand do all of these things.
Ignores emotion and motivation- the cognitive approach can tell us how different cognitive processes take place it fails to tell us why they do. The role of emotion and motivation has largely been ignored by this approach.
Strengths of the cognitive approach- it has been applied in many other areas of psychology, in social psychology research in social cognition has helped psychologists better understand how we form impressions of other people, as well as the errors and biases that influence our interpretation of the causes of their behaviour. The cognitive approach to psychopathology has been used to explain how much of the dysfunctional behaviour shown by some people can be traced back to a faulty thinking process. This has led to the successful treatment of people suffering from illnesses such as depression and OCD using cognitive based therapies.
The cognitive approach is scientific- emphasis on scientific methods is a particular strength of this approach. The use of experimental methods provides researchers with rigorous method for collecting and evaluating evidence in order to reach accurate conclusions about how the mind works. Meaning conclusions about how the mind works are based on far more than common sense and introspection as these can give a misleading picture of mental processes, many of which are not consciously accessible.
Limitations of computer models- uses of computer models to explain human coding- there is an important difference between the sort of information processing that takes place within a computer program and the information processing which takes place within the human mind. Computers don't make mistakes, nor would they ignore valuable information or forget anything that has been stored in their drives- humans on the other hand do all of these things.
Ignores emotion and motivation- the cognitive approach can tell us how different cognitive processes take place it fails to tell us why they do. The role of emotion and motivation has largely been ignored by this approach.
Key Terms
Cognitive- relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning.
Cognitive neuroscience- an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions.
Computer model- refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of the human condition.
Inference/Inferring- means reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Schema- a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain. Schemas help an individual to make sense of new information.
Theoretical models- in cognitive psychology models are simplified, usually pictorial representations of particular mental processes based on current research evidence.
Cognitive- relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning.
Cognitive neuroscience- an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions.
Computer model- refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of the human condition.
Inference/Inferring- means reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Schema- a cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain. Schemas help an individual to make sense of new information.
Theoretical models- in cognitive psychology models are simplified, usually pictorial representations of particular mental processes based on current research evidence.
Resources and Activities.
explain what is meant by internal mental processes, schema, theoretical and computer models and cognitive neuroscience.
Outline the use of theoretical and computer models as an explanation of mental processes.
Using examples from research explain the emergence of cognitive neuroscience.
Outline two strengths of the cognitive approach in psychology.
Outline two limitations of the cognitive approach in psychology.
Outline and evaluate the cognitive approach in psychology.
explain what is meant by internal mental processes, schema, theoretical and computer models and cognitive neuroscience.
Outline the use of theoretical and computer models as an explanation of mental processes.
Using examples from research explain the emergence of cognitive neuroscience.
Outline two strengths of the cognitive approach in psychology.
Outline two limitations of the cognitive approach in psychology.
Outline and evaluate the cognitive approach in psychology.