Learn: Cognitive Approach in Psychology

Welcome!Today we'll learn about the Cognitive Approach in psychology. This is a fascinating topic that explores how we process information and how it influences our behaviour. Let's dive in!

What is the Cognitive Approach?The Cognitive Approach studies how mental processes like memory, thinking, and perception affect our behaviour. It views the mind as a kind of information processor, similar to a computer, where information is input, processed, and output.

Key Assumptions of the Cognitive ApproachThe Cognitive Approach is based on two main assumptions:Behaviour as information processing — Our brains process information in a structured way, much like a computer.The computer analogy — Behaviour is understood as input (from our senses), processing (thinking or memory), and output (actions or decisions).

Memory StoresMemory is a key concept in the cognitive approach. There are three memory stores:Sensory memory — Holds information briefly from your senses, like sights and sounds.Short-term memory — Stores information temporarily, usually for about 20 seconds.Long-term memory — Keeps information for a long time, even years.Each store has its own encoding (how information is processed), capacity (how much information it holds), and duration (how long it lasts).

Reconstructive MemoryOur memories are not always perfect. Reconstructive memory means we often fill in gaps using schemas (mental frameworks based on past experiences). This can lead to confabulation (adding details that weren't there) or rationalisation (making the memory make sense).

Cognitive BiasesCognitive biases are errors in thinking that affect our decisions. For example:Confirmation bias — Tendency to focus on information that supports what we already believe.Hostile attribution bias — Assuming others have negative intentions towards us.Fundamental attribution error — Blaming someone's behaviour on their personality instead of considering external factors.

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

Well done!You've completed the lesson on the cognitive approach. Take a moment to review your notes and reflect on what you've learned today!