Study Notes
The cognitive approach in psychology focuses on how people acquire, process, store, and use information, examining internal mental processes that mediate between stimulus and response. It emphasizes understanding thought processes to explain behavior scientifically through testable theories.
- Cognitive Approach — a perspective focusing on mental processes like perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving. Example: Explaining anxiety through interpretation of threatening information.
- Information Processing Model — a framework where information is processed in stages: input, processing, and output. Example: Sensory input is transformed into behavior.
- Computer Analogy — compares the mind to a computer, highlighting similarities in input, processing, storage, and output. Example: Memory systems store information like a computer's hard drive.
- Attention — the process of focusing on relevant information while filtering out distractions. Example: The cocktail party effect.
- Language — involves comprehension and expression of communication. Example: Decoding sounds into words.
- Thinking — includes reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Example: Evaluating options to make decisions.
- Memory — involves encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Example: Retrieving stored information using cues.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Cognitive Approach
- Information Processing Model
- Computer Analogy
- Attention
- Language
- Thinking
- Memory
Common Confusions
- Confusing cognitive processes with observable behaviors
- Misunderstanding the computer analogy as a perfect comparison
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the cognitive approach? It is a perspective focusing on internal mental processes.
- How does the information processing model work? It involves stages of input, processing, and output.
- How is the mind like a computer? Both process information through input, processing, storage, and output.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of key cognitive processes
- Ability to explain behavior using cognitive theories
- Application of the information processing model