Cognitive Approach | AQA Psychology | A-level

Summary

This video script explores cognitive psychology, focusing on internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving. It introduces the concept of schemas, which shape our understanding and predictability of the world, and discusses how they can both assist and mislead our interpretations. The script also covers cognitive neuroscience, linking mental processes to brain structures, and touches on the implications for mental health and behavior. Interactive experiments, such as the Stroop effect and memory capacity tests, are used to illustrate these concepts.

Takeaways

• 🐯 **Hidden Tiger**: The script mentions a hidden tiger, which is a test of perception to see if the viewer can spot it.
• 👤 **Who Do You See Here**: It asks who the viewer sees in the video, which is Tom, the psychology teacher.
• 🔵 **Squares or Circles**: There's a question about whether the viewer sees squares or circles, testing visual perception.
• 🎥 **Introduction to Cognitive Psychology**: Tom introduces cognitive psychology, focusing on internal mental processes.
• 🧠 **Internal Mental Processes**: The script explains internal mental processes like perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and attention.
• 🤔 **Cognitive vs. Behavioral Psychology**: It contrasts cognitive psychology with behavioral psychology, discussing the importance of studying mental processes.
• 🕒 **Stroop Effect**: The script includes a mini-experiment on the Stroop effect to demonstrate cognitive processes.
• 🔢 **Short-Term Memory Test**: There's a test of short-term memory capacity, referencing George Miller's 'magical number seven'.
• 👀 **Attention and Perception**: The script discusses how attention and schemas can affect perception and memory.
• 💡 **Schemas**: It explains what schemas are and how they help process information but can also lead to errors.
• 🧬 **Cognitive Neuroscience**: The script introduces cognitive neuroscience, linking mental processes to brain structures.

Q & A

What does the term 'cognitive' mean in psychology?

In psychology, the term 'cognitive' refers to mental processes or thinking. Cognitive psychologists are interested in studying internal mental processes and how they are involved in behavior.

What are internal mental processes?

Internal mental processes are private actions or processes of the mind that mediate between stimulus and response. They include perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and attention.

What is the role of schemas in cognitive psychology?

Schemas are organized units of knowledge that we have developed through experiences. They help us make sense of the world, predict what will happen, and know how to respond appropriately. They act as a framework for interpreting information.

How do cognitive psychologists study mental processes scientifically?

Cognitive psychologists study mental processes indirectly using inferences. They draw conclusions about the way mental processes work, which cannot be directly observed, by making assumptions based on behavior that can be directly observed.

What is the Stroop Effect and how does it relate to cognitive psychology?

The Stroop Effect is a cognitive phenomenon where the naming of the color of a word is interfered with when the word itself is a different color. It demonstrates that our mind has a preference for processing words over the color of the word.

What is the capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller's theory?

According to George Miller's theory, the average capacity for short-term memory is between five and nine items, which he referred to as 'seven plus or minus two'.

How can cognitive psychologists use computer models to understand mental processes?

Cognitive psychologists use computer models to represent mental processes by comparing the mind's operations to a computer's. This involves inputting information, processing it, storing it, and then retrieving it.

What is cognitive neuroscience and how does it relate to cognitive psychology?

Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes. It combines cognitive psychology's focus on mental processes with the biological processes of the brain.

How can schemas lead to errors in perception?

Schemas can sometimes distort our interpretation of sensory information because our expectations and beliefs can influence what we perceive. This can lead to errors when our schemas do not match the actual sensory input.

What is the multi-store model of memory and how does it explain the process of memory?

The multi-store model of memory suggests that there are separate stores for sensory, short-term, and long-term memory. Information goes through these stores in a linear pattern, from input through senses to short-term memory with attention, then to long-term memory with rehearsal.

How can cognitive psychologists test their theoretical models?

Cognitive psychologists can test their theoretical models through various research methods, including lab-based experiments, case studies, and brain scanning technology, which allow them to observe the relationship between mental processes and brain activity.