The cognitive approach - Approaches [A-Level Psychology]

Summary

This video explores the cognitive approach in psychology, emphasizing how internal mental processes like memory, attention, and perception shape behavior. It delves into cognitive neuroscience, the study of the brain's role in cognition, and the use of cognitive models and schemas. Through examples and research, such as Miller's work on short-term memory and Loftus' study on eyewitness testimony, the video highlights both the strengths and limitations of cognitive psychology. It also touches on real-life applications like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the advancements in neuroscience to treat neurological disorders.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like memory, attention, and perception, which influence behavior.
• 😀 Cognitive psychologists argue that behavior is shaped by internal mental processes, not just observable actions.
• 😀 Cognitive neuroscience is a cutting-edge field that examines the relationship between mental processes and brain structures.
• 😀 Schemas are mental frameworks built from past experiences that help us quickly process information and navigate the world.
• 😀 While schemas allow us to make predictions and reduce cognitive load, they can lead to errors in memory recall, particularly in eyewitness testimony.
• 😀 Cognitive psychologists rely on experiments to infer internal mental processes, though these processes cannot be directly observed.
• 😀 Research into memory, such as Miller's study on the capacity of short-term memory, shows that humans can recall around 7 items, give or take 2.
• 😀 Cognitive models, like the multi-store model of memory, describe mental processes through a flowchart of steps, helping make testable predictions.
• 😀 One criticism of the computer model of the mind is that it oversimplifies human cognition, ignoring consciousness, emotions, and irrational behavior.
• 😀 Cognitive psychology has practical applications, such as in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals restructure negative schemas and improve mental health.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind the cognitive approach in psychology?

The cognitive approach in psychology argues that behavior is the result of internal mental processes, such as attention, perception, and memory. Cognitive psychologists focus on studying these processes to understand how they influence behavior.

How do cognitive psychologists study internal mental processes despite them being unobservable?

Cognitive psychologists study internal mental processes by conducting highly controlled experiments and making inferences based on participants' behavior. Since mental processes cannot be directly observed, they rely on these inferences to form conclusions.

What is the role of schemas in understanding human behavior?

Schemas are mental frameworks built from previous experiences that help individuals process and interpret information quickly. They act as shortcuts for navigating the world, allowing individuals to predict events and make decisions more efficiently.

How do schemas contribute to memory distortion in eyewitness testimony?

Schemas can influence memory, leading to inaccurate recall. For example, in Loftus' study, participants' memories of a car crash were altered based on the wording of questions (e.g., 'smashed' versus 'contacted'). The schema for 'smashed' made the event seem more intense, distorting their recollection.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using schemas?

Schemas allow individuals to process information quickly and predict future events based on past experiences. However, relying too heavily on schemas can lead to memory distortions or biases, particularly when individuals encounter information that does not fit their existing schemas.

What is the problem with using the computer model to explain the human brain?

The computer model of the brain is criticized for being overly simplistic, a concept known as machine reductionism. The human brain is far more complex than a computer, with factors like consciousness and emotions influencing behavior, which computers do not exhibit.

How has cognitive neuroscience advanced the study of cognitive psychology?

Cognitive neuroscience bridges the gap between cognitive processes and biological structures. Using technologies like PET and fMRI scanners, researchers can observe real-time brain activity during cognitive tasks, providing biological evidence to support cognitive theories.

What is the significance of the 'multi-store model of memory' in cognitive psychology?

The multi-store model of memory explains how information is processed and stored in different stages: sensory input, short-term memory, and long-term memory. It is a theoretical model used to guide research and test cognitive theories about memory.

How does the cognitive approach differ from other approaches in psychology, such as behaviorism and biological psychology?

Unlike behaviorism, which focuses solely on observable behavior, cognitive psychology emphasizes the internal mental processes that influence behavior. Unlike biological psychology, which looks at physical processes in the brain, cognitive psychology is more concerned with how the brain processes information, often relying on inferences.

What role does soft determinism play in the cognitive approach?

Soft determinism in the cognitive approach suggests that while behavior may be influenced by biological and environmental factors, cognitive processes allow individuals to make decisions and exert control over their behavior. This concept is key in therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which empowers individuals to change their thought patterns.