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1) Approaches to Cognition (Approaches (Cognitive Neuroscience: Study of…
1) Approaches to Cognition
Information processing
Types
Cascaded processes
(Turn on indicator, move wheel to change lanes)
Discrete serial processes
Seperate
(A. Turn ignition, B. step on accelerator)
Parallel processes
Occurs at same time
(taking during driving)
Top-down
Internally generated, influenced by expectations & knowledge
Bottom-up
Response to environment/external stimulation
Identify processes & structures involved in cognition
Stimulus ---> Attention ---> Perception ---> Thought process -----> Decision -----> Response/Action
Approaches
Cognitive Psychology
: Observation of beahviour
Experimental method (dependant/independent variable) + research hypothesis
Uncover
nature
of cognition
Computer Models
: Programmed to mimic cog function
Eg. Word recognition
Compare model VS human beahviour
Requires explicit assumptions by researchers
Cognitive Neuroscience
: Study of human brain & cognition
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Non-invasive, high spatial, low temporal
Indirect: measure active brain regions via presence of oxygenated blood
Magneto-encephalography (MEG)
Measures magnetic field, expensive, uncomfotable
High temporal, moderate spatial
Neuroscience terms
Spatial resolution:
accuracy of WHERE
Invasiveness
Temporal resolution:
accuracy of WHEN
Event Related Potentials (ERP) (EEG)
Measure electrical activity in brain during cog activity
Non-invasive, high temporal, low spatial
Skull tissue interference
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Cognitive performance by those with cognitive impairments
Key Assumptions
Functional Modality
Modules = domain specific (respond to one set of stimuli)
Anatomical Modality
Each module is located in a specific brain region
HOWEVER cognitive processes often recruit many areas
Evaluation
All involve inference: none directly observable
Correlation unless true experiment (eg. subject variables in cog neuropsychology)