Essay
discuss the cognitive approach in psychology (12 marks)
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The cognitive approach in psychology focuses on the internal mentalprocesses of an individual, for example memory, through scientific,
experimental methods. The approach focuses on how individuals can
learn to solve problems and the mental processes that exist between
stimulus and response. The approach utilises models like the theoretical
models or computer models to explain these mental processes.
Computer models use the computer analogy to explain mental
processes. The main assumption of the cognitive approach is that
information received from our senses is processed by the brain and that
this processing directs how an individual behaves. These internal mental
processes cannot be observed directly but psychologists can infer what
a person is thinking based on how they act. Cognitive processing can
often be affected by schemas, a mental framework of beliefs and
expectations developed from experience. Schemas allow humans to
process incoming information quickly and effectively, preventing us from
being overwhelmed by the vast amount of information we perceive in our
environment. However it can also lead to distortion of this information as
individuals select and interpret environmental stimuli using schemas
which might not be relevant.
Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of the influence of brain
structures on mental processes, done through the use of brain scanning
techniques such as fMRI.
Neuroscience aims to find out how the brain structures influence the way
we process information and map mental cognitive functions to specific
areas of the brain.
One strength of the cognitive approach is that it has many applications.
For example the cognitive approach to psychopathology has been able
to explain the dysfunctional behaviour in terms of faulty thinking
processes. This has led to the development of treatments for illness
such as depression with cognitive-based therapies. These treatments,
which aim to change dysfunctional ways of thinking have been shown
successful in some mental disorders which suggests that the emphasis
on mental process for explaining mental disorders is valid.
Another strength of the cognitive approach is that it can be considered a
scientific approach. Although cognitive psychologists create theories and
models of behaviour, they do this as a result of experimentation with
human participants. This means that their conclusions are based on far
more than common sense and introspections which can give misleading
picture. As such, the approach can be seen as a systematic, objective
and rigorous way for reaching accurate conclusions about how the mind
works.
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