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The Cognitive Approach (Evaluation (Less determinist than other approaches…
The Cognitive Approach
Assumptions
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Mental processes are 'private' and cannot be observed, so cognitive psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences about what is going on 'inside' based on what is being shown on the 'outside'.
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Influence of Schema
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As we get older, our schema become more detailed and sophisticated
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Evaluation
Less determinist than other approaches - based on soft determinism (cognitive system operates within certain limits, but we are free to think before making a decision). Contrasts behaviourist approach (passive slaves to the environment). More reasonable and flexible middle-ground position.
Based on machine reductionism - similarities between operations of a human mind and a computer, however human emotion and motivation have been shown to influence accuracy of recall e.g. in eyewitness testimony. Not considered within information-processing model. Oversimplifies human cognitive processing.
Real-life application - important contribution to field of artificial intelligence and development of robots. Likely to revolutionise how we live in the future.
Lacks external validity - psychologists only able to infer mental processes from observable behaviour, so approach is sometimes too abstract and theoretical. Also, research often uses artificial stimuli, such as word lists (not representative of every day experience).
Scientific and objective methods - use methods like lab studies to make inferences. Enabled two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together (cognitive neuroscience). Credible, scientific basis.