Learn: Cognitive Approach Assumptions

Welcome!Today we'll explore the Cognitive Approach, which helps us understand how our minds work, like a computer. You'll learn its key assumptions and how it explains human behaviour.

What is the Cognitive Approach?The Cognitive Approach is a psychological perspective that views behaviour as a result of internal mental processes, such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. It compares the mind to a computer, where we process information through input, storage, and output.

Key AssumptionsThe Cognitive Approach is based on two main assumptions:Behaviour as information processing: Humans process information in a systematic way, similar to a computer.Computer analogy: The mind is likened to a computer, with inputs (information we receive), processing (how we interpret and store information), and outputs (behaviours or actions).

Memory StoresAccording to the Cognitive Approach, memory is organised into three main stores:Sensory memory: Holds information briefly after it is received, such as sights or sounds (encoding: sensory, capacity: unlimited, duration: very short).Short-term memory (STM): Temporarily holds information (encoding: acoustic, capacity: 7±2 items, duration: 15–30 seconds).Long-term memory (LTM): Stores information indefinitely (encoding: mostly semantic, capacity: unlimited, duration: unlimited).

Reconstructive Memory and SchemaReconstructive memory suggests that remembering is not always accurate; instead, we use schemas (mental frameworks based on prior experiences) to fill in gaps. This can lead to shortening (leaving out details), rationalisation (making sense of information), and confabulation (adding details).

Cognitive BiasesCognitive biases are errors in thinking that affect our decisions and judgements. Common biases include:Fundamental attribution error: Overestimating personal factors and underestimating situational factors when explaining others' behaviour.Confirmation bias: Focusing on information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.Hostile attribution bias: Assuming others have hostile intentions, even without clear evidence.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the Cognitive Approach, its assumptions, and key concepts such as memory stores, reconstructive memory, schemas, and cognitive biases. Let's test your understanding with a few final questions.