Learn: Cognitive Approach Assumptions and Key Concepts

Welcome!Today we'll explore the Cognitive Approach in Psychology. This approach helps us understand how people process information and how this impacts behaviour. Let's dive in!

What is the Cognitive Approach?The Cognitive Approach focuses on mental processes like memory, perception, and decision-making. It sees the mind as an information processor, similar to a computer, with inputs (information), processing, and outputs (behaviour).

Key Assumptions- Behaviour is the result of mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.- The mind works like a computer, with inputs (sensory information), processing, and outputs (actions).

Memory StoresMemory is divided into three main stores: sensory memory (briefly holds sensory information), short-term memory (temporary storage for active thoughts), and long-term memory (stores information for extended periods).

Reconstructive MemoryReconstructive memory explains how we don't remember events exactly as they happened. Instead, we use schemas (mental frameworks) to fill in gaps, which can lead to errors like confabulation or rationalisation.

Cognitive BiasesCognitive biases are errors in thinking that affect decision-making. Examples include confirmation bias (focusing on information that supports your beliefs) and hostile attribution bias (assuming others have hostile intentions).

Review Time!Fantastic work! We've covered assumptions, memory stores, reconstructive memory, and cognitive biases. Let's test your understanding with a few review questions.