The Cognitive Perspective

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Introduction

Cognitive psychology is concerned with how people acquire, store, transform, use and communicate information. Cognitive psychologists rejected the behaviourist assumption that mental events or states were unsuitable for scientific research.

In this unit students will examine the model-based approach often employed by the cognitive perspective. Issues of ecological and construct validity will be explored with regard to the methods employed by the perspective. Memory is the topic which we will study in depth.

Objectives of the Unit:

  • Describe and evaluate the cultural context and development, the conceptual framework, the methodology, and the application of the cognitive perxpective.
  • Describe and evaluate theories and empirical studies within this perspective.
  • Explain how cultural, ethical, gender, and methodological considerations affect the interpretation of behaviour from a cognitive perspective.
  • Compare theories, empirical studies and the conceptual framework of this model with the other perspectives.
  • Identify and explain the strengths and limitations of cognitive explanations of behaviour.
  • Explain the extent to which free will and determinism are integral in this perspective.
  • Assess the extent to which concepts and models of information processing have helped the understanding of cognition.
  • Assess claims that this perspective lacks ecological validity, and be able to consider alternative research methods.
Content:
Historical Development and Cultural Context
Application
    • Challenges to behaviourism
    • The use of the computer model
    • The development of brain scan technology
    • The Cognitive Interview to improve eye-witness testimony
    • RET & CBT therapy in the treatment of depression.
Key Concepts
Methodology
    • Schema theory
    • Memory
    • Heuristics
  • Laboratory experimentation
  • Clinical interviews
  • Verbal protocols
  • Ethical considerations
Basic Assumptions
Strengths and weaknesses
  • Mental processes can and should be investigated scientifically.
  • Cognitive processes actively organize and manipulate information that we receive - humans are not passive responders to their environment. Soft determinism.
  • Non-human animals may be used to help understand human behaviour.
  • Models of psychological functions can be proposed. (Do not only learn this one basic assumption - it is often the least flexible for answering a paper I prompt.)
  • It investigates many areas of behaviour ignored by the learning perspective, using rigorous scientific methods.
  • It has combined with other perspectives to strengthen its explanations - e.g. neuropsychology.
  • Overly simplistic - computer model disregards the complexity of human behaviour.
  • Overly hypothetical - theory is based on theory.
  • Objectification of its participants
  • Question of mundane vs. psychological reality

General theorists to know: Hermann Ebbinghaus, Tversky and Kahnemann, Jean Piaget, Leon Festinger, Frederic Bartlett, Aaron Beck, Albert Ellis.

Memory Research (some is biological): Atkinson & Shiffrin, Craik & Lockhart, Endel Tulving, Flourens & Lashley, Glanzer & Cunitz, Thompson, Brown & Kulik, Milner, Morris, Joe Martinez (bio), Cole & Scribner, Elizabeth Loftus, Miller.

A collection of cognitive celebrities

Websites for research and personal development

 

 

Good Video links

Supplementary Readings & Study Guides

Memory

Problem Solving