Summary of the Cognitive Approach (PY1 - Approaches in Psychology)
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Course
PY1 - Approaches in Psychology
Institution
WJEC
A summary of all the information needed to answer questions on the cognitive approach for the unit 1 exam of WJEC AS Level Psychology. Includes: - Assumptions (the computer analogy, internal mental process, schemas) - Application to relationships - Therapy and Evaluation - Key Study (Eyewitness acc...
Cognitive
Assumptions
The Computer Analogy
o Compares the human brain to a computer
o Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)
Internal Mental Process
o Humans are basically information processors
o Essential cognitive processes work together enabling us to make sense of and
respond to the world around us
We only know a dog is a dog because we see its features and piece together
the clues
To name it we must also use our knowledge of language
o Introspection was used by Wundt (1879) where him asked people to tell him what
they were thinking
Schemas
o Schemas are organised packets of information that are built up through experience
and are kept in our long-term memories
o Schemas do not necessarily represent society as they are often built via social
exchanges
The suggestion that thieves wear black and white striped tops with
balaclavas
o Research by Allport and Postman (1947) shows that people apply stereotypes when
recalling pictures/events
Application to Relationships
Schemas – Dion et al (1972) showed if people seen to be are physically attractive other
people will think they have good qualities
Internal mental processes –
o Based on your first impression of someone you will decide if you want to see them
again
Positive past experiences will cause a relationship to form whereas negative
experiences will discourage relationships
, Matching hypothesis – we choose people based on their attractiveness and if we think we
match this
Therapy – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The role of the therapist is to change the client’s perceptions of the world around them
Schemas influence how we see the world around us
o Depressed people develop negative schemas about 3 things: themselves, the world
around them and their futures
Dysfunctional Thought Diary
o Clients are asked to record events leading up to unpleasant emotions
They should then rank how much they believe these thoughts
They should then write a rational response to these and rank their
beliefs for this again
Cognitive Restructuring
o The client and therapist work together to change the negative thinking pattern
Know as ‘therapy during therapy’
o Clients are taught to challenge dysfunctional thoughts and replace them with
constructive ones
Pleasant activity scheduling
o Clients are asked to plan one pleasant activity a day they will engage in to give a
sense of accomplishment or a break from the norm
o Should induce positive emotions
Evaluation of Therapy
Effectiveness
o Research support
CBT is not inferior to all anti-depressants
Jarrett et al (1999) found CBT was as effective as some anti-depressants
when treating 108 patients with depression over a 10-week period
Hollon et al (1992) found no difference when comparing CBT with different
anti-depressants in a sample of 107 over a 10-week period
o Therapist competence
The skills of the therapist can affect the effectiveness of CBT (ability to
structure sessions and reviewing homework/assignments)
Kuyken and Tsivrikos (2009) claim the outcomes can vary by up to 15%
o Individual differences
Some people are more suited to CBT
Seems to be less suited for those with high levels of irrational beliefs
o Simons et al (1995) found that CBT is less suitable for those
with high levels of stress
o Empowerment
Therapist should be empowering (encouraging participants to develop
coping strategies)
Recognise that people have free will
Most widely used therapy in the NHS
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