Discuss the key principles of the cognitive approach.

The cognitive approach focuses on mental processes such as perception, attention, and memory.

The cognitive approach is based on the idea that mental processes can be studied scientifically. It emphasises the importance of internal mental processes, such as perception, attention, and memory, in understanding behaviour. Cognitive psychologists believe that the mind is like a computer, processing information and transforming it into knowledge. They use experimental methods to study mental processes, such as reaction time experiments, to measure how long it takes for a person to respond to a stimulus.

One key principle of the cognitive approach is that mental processes can be studied scientifically. This means that cognitive psychologists use empirical methods to test their theories and hypotheses. They use experiments, observations, and other research methods to gather data that can be analysed using statistical techniques. This allows them to draw conclusions about how the mind works and to develop theories about mental processes.

Another key principle of the cognitive approach is that mental processes are influenced by schemas. Schemas are mental frameworks that help us to organise and interpret information. They are built up over time through experience and can influence how we perceive and remember information. Cognitive psychologists believe that schemas can affect our behaviour, as well as our thoughts and feelings.

A final key principle of the cognitive approach is that mental processes are not always accurate. Cognitive psychologists believe that we can make errors in perception, attention, and memory. For example, we might misperceive a stimulus or forget important information. These errors can have important implications for our behaviour, as well as our mental health.

Overall, the cognitive approach emphasises the importance of internal mental processes in understanding behaviour. It is based on the idea that mental processes can be studied scientifically, and that schemas and errors in mental processes can have important implications for behaviour.