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Psychology
Module 3 Cognitive Approach Worksheet
Sean McCann



1.) Explain what is meant by the cognitive approach.

The cognitive approach is a style of psychology that focuses on mental processes such as memory and problem solving, it differs from other styles such as the behaviourist approach that focuses on what is can be observed rather than mental processes.


2.) Name four areas of investigation of the cognitive approach.

Four areas of investigation of the cognitive approach are; Memory, improving memory, problem solving and language.

3.) What is the principal method of investigation of the cognitive approach? What are the key strengths and weaknesses of this method when used to investigate cognitive processes?

The principal method of investigation in the cognitive approach is through case studies and and laboratory experiments. Usually studying brain damaged people with the aid of a computer that analyses thought processes. The weakness of the methodology according to some psychologists
(Rogers) is that it creates an artificial environment in which it is hard to compile a fair set of data.
The strengths of this method however are that the computer can accuratly record the thought processes at that given time.

4.) What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up theories of perception?

Top-down theory assumes that perception is indirect, what we have perceived in the past effects how we perceive things in our current environment.

Bottom-up theory assumes that whatever is in our current environment is processed on the spot, without processing information about the environment from the past.

5.) Give an explanation of top-down process of perception.

Top-down perception refers to the influences of cognitive processes on...