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Cognitive psychologists believe that behaviour is influenced by internal mental processes that can be
conscious or nonconscious eg, perception. Mental processes are internal and cannot be directly observed so
they have to be studied indirectly using controlled experiments. One basic assumption of the Cognitive
Approach (CA) is computer and theoretical models. These models provide testable theories about how mental
processing works; these can be studied and inferences can be made. Theoretical models are abstract and the
computer processing approach suggests how information flows through a cognitive system in stages: input,
storage, and retrieval. This can enable a greater understanding of how processes like memory work. Computer
models are concrete and instructions are inputted into a computer which produce a similar output so we can
suggest a similar thing occurs in the human mind. Using computer models to make inferences about how
humans process information is useful as it has helped in the development of artificial intelligence.
Another basic assumption of the CA is the schema. The schema is an internal mental representation of our
experience, knowledge and understanding. Schemas affect our cognitive processing and help us respond
appropriately to situations. For example, it can prevent us from getting overwhelmed by environmental stimuli-
we can get a train ticket because we have previous knowledge so we won't get overwhelmed. Babies are born
with simple schemas that get more detailed as they grow older. Schema’s can also cause us to respond
inappropriately to situations for example in phobias- inputted sensory information for example seeing a dog will
be processed differently in someone with a phobia, and based on their schema and past experience they
believe the dog will bite them. The resulting output will be to run away. So schema’s can also be faulty and our
cognitive processing can be negatively affected.
One limitation of the CA is that there are other opposing theories that offer more credible explanations for
certain behaviour eg, phobias. The CA believes that phobias are a result of faulty processing. The behaviourist
approach, however, suggests that phobias are learnt by classical conditioning and the phobias are maintained
in operant conditioning. Eg, Watson and Rayner showed how little Albert developed a fear of white rats by
associating the fear response elicited by loud noises with white rats, after repeated pairings. It is learned
association that explains phobias here and not faulty processing. This means that the CA may ignore other
factors that influence behaviour eg, behaviour. However, the CA acknowledges both sides of the nature
nurture debate as cognitive psychologists believe that behaviour is a result of information processing that
takes place in the brain and has a biological place of origin (nature), while concepts such as schema are
modified by past experiences (nurture). This suggests that the CA offers the most complete explanation for
behaviour.
A strength of the CA is that it has practical applications, particularly in treating depression. Beck’s cognitive
therapy helps patients identify any negative thoughts in relation to themselves, their future and their world
using Beck’s negative triad. Ellis's Rational-Emotive Behaviour therapy uses techniques like empirical and
logical arguments. The patient and therapist will then work together to challenge these irrational thoughts and
develop evidence for and against them. This suggests that the CA must be valid as therapies based on
principles like irrational thoughts are effective. However this form of therapy may not be appropriate for
everyone, for example some people may have social anxiety and may not want to talk to others about their
feelings.
Another strength of the CA is that it uses objective and scientific methods. The CA has scientific and rigorous
methods of study to infer cognitive processes at work eg, the use of controlled lab experiments to produce
objective, reliable and empirical results. The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has also enabled the 2
fields of biology and cognitive psychology e.g. through the use of PET and MRI scans. This means that the CA
must be valid as it has a credible and scientific basis.
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