To know the main features of the cognitive approach

To know and understand three models which seek to explain internal mental processes

To be able to evaluate the cognitive approach

I can fit everything I know

about the background of the

cognitive approach onto the back of a postage

stamp....

TASK: Use your post-it note to summarise the introduction to the cognitive approach!

1. What does the cognitive approach focus on primarily?

2. How is the cognitive approach different to behaviourism?

3. What type of methods does the cognitive approach use?

4. What is the name of a model used to explain the internal mental processes?

5. Why did the cognitive approach become prominent in the 50s?

6. What mental processes does the cognitive approach think are important?

S R

Behaviourists aren’t interested in what happens in between S and R. They don’t

think you need to know.

S RO

Social Learning Theorists say that things take place within the organism that mediate between S and R.

You do need to know about the person’s mental processes.

S RIP

Cognitive psychologists extend this idea and say that our behaviour is determined by the way we process information

taken in from our environment.

1. Takes in a shape.

2. Counts the vertices.

3. Adds one to this number.4. Outputs a

shape with the new number of

vertices.

This may not be what is actually happening in the black box, but it allows us to account for how the box

translates input into output. It is a useful model.

1. Takes in a shape.

2. Counts the vertices.

3. Adds one to this number.4. Outputs a

shape with the new number of

vertices.

Our model allows us to predict how the information processor will behave. It is still not necessary for us to

know what’s actually happening in the box.

1. Takes in a shape.

2. Counts the vertices.

3. Adds one to this number.4. Outputs a

shape with the new number of

vertices.

Info from environment

BehaviourSpeech

LTM

WM

P B

A model to explain the internal mental processes...

Make a copy of this diagram in your notes underneath the heading above:

Encoding of information from the environment

Transformation of info using mental

processes

Output or behavioural

response

This approach is regularly compared to a computer

As individuals we encode information, store or transform information and provide an output or a behaviour

Alicia is playing badminton and hits the shuttlecock over to her partner:

Alicia perceives the shuttlecock coming towards her right hand side (encoding)

She decides to play a forehand shot (decision-making)

Alicia hits the shuttlecock over the net (output)

Holly is playing a game of chess with her friend Dan. She sees Dan move his king one square forward. Holly considers her next chess move. She moves her queen one diagonal square places Dan in checkmate and wins the game.

The Computational Model – focuses on what is involved when the individual is processing information using simulations

The Connectionist Model – uses a neural analogy, activated patterns represent learning

Can you think of any instances where the accuracy of a person’s memory is very important?

Strengths?

Weaknesses?

Without using the book think evaluate the cognitive approach. Is it better or worse in comparison to any of the other approaches in terms of the methods it uses or the assumptions it makes?

To know the main features of the cognitive approach

To know and understand three models which seek to explain internal mental processes

To be able to evaluate the cognitive approach