Learn: Cognitive Approach Assumptions

Welcome!Today we'll explore the cognitive approach assumptions. This is an important foundation for understanding human behaviour as information processing. Let's dive in!

What is the Cognitive Approach?The cognitive approach focuses on how people think, perceive, remember, and solve problems. It views the human mind as a kind of computer that processes information through input, processing, and output stages. This helps us understand behaviours by analysing mental processes like memory, perception, and decision-making.

Key Assumptions of the Cognitive ApproachThe cognitive approach assumes that behaviour can be understood through internal mental processes and information processing. It uses the computer analogy, comparing the human mind to a computer with input (information), processing, and output (behaviours). These models help psychologists predict and explain behaviour.

Memory Stores and Their CharacteristicsMemory is a key concept in the cognitive approach. It consists of three main memory stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. These stores differ in their encoding (how information is processed), capacity (how much information they hold), and duration (how long information is stored).

Reconstructive Memory and SchemasOur memory isn't always perfect. The cognitive approach explains this through reconstructive memory, where we may alter memories based on our schemas (mental frameworks shaped by experience). This can cause changes like shortening (leaving out details), rationalisation (adding logic to make sense of events), or confabulation (filling in gaps with made-up details).

Cognitive BiasesThe cognitive approach also explains errors in thinking as cognitive biases. Examples include confirmation bias (focusing on information that supports our beliefs), fundamental attribution error (blaming someone's personality instead of considering external factors), and hostile attribution bias (assuming others have hostile intentions).

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the cognitive approach assumptions, memory stores, reconstructive memory, schemas, and cognitive biases. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.

Well Done!You've completed today's lesson on the cognitive approach assumptions. Great job! Keep practising to deepen your understanding and apply these concepts to real-world examples.