Learn: Cognitive Approach in Psychology

Welcome!We're exploring the Cognitive Approach in Psychology today. This approach focuses on understanding how we process information, including how we think, perceive, remember, and learn.

What is the Cognitive Approach?The Cognitive Approach explains behaviour as a result of mental processes, such as thinking, memory, and perception. It compares the mind to a computer, suggesting it works through input, processing, and output.

Memory StoresThe cognitive approach identifies three main memory stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Each store has unique characteristics.

Cognitive PrimingCognitive priming refers to the activation of certain ideas or associations in memory, which can influence behaviour. For example, seeing a word related to food might make you think of eating.

Cognitive BiasesCognitive biases are errors in thinking that affect judgements and decisions. For example, the confirmation bias is when we focus on information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Reconstructive MemoryReconstructive memory suggests that we often reconstruct memories based on schemas (mental frameworks) rather than recalling events exactly as they happened. This means memories can be influenced by expectations or prior knowledge.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the cognitive approach, memory stores, cognitive priming, cognitive biases, and reconstructive memory. Now let's test your understanding!