Cognitive psychologists employ a variety of research methods to study internal mental processes, despite their intangible nature. One key approach is the use of controlled experiments, where variables are manipulated and their effects on behaviour are observed and measured. This allows inferences about the underlying mental processes. For example, reaction time and accuracy in memory tasks can provide insights into the processes of memory and attention. Cognitive psychologists also use case studies, particularly with individuals who have experienced brain damage, to observe how specific cognitive abilities are affected. Another method is self-report techniques, where individuals describe their thought processes, although this method is subject to biases. More recently, advancements in technology like fMRI and PET scans are used to observe brain activity that correlates with cognitive processes, providing a more direct link between brain function and mental processes.

Comparing the human mind to a computer, while useful for understanding some aspects of cognitive processing, has notable limitations. Firstly, this analogy oversimplifies the complexity and flexibility of human thought. Unlike computers, human cognition is influenced by emotions, motivations, and a range of social and environmental factors that are not easily replicated in computer models. Furthermore, human memory is not as straightforward as computer storage; it is reconstructive and can be influenced by biases and external factors. Human learning and problem-solving are also often less linear and more creative than computer algorithms. Moreover, the human brain is capable of parallel processing and possesses neuroplasticity, the ability to adapt and change through experience, which goes beyond the capabilities of current computer models. Thus, while the computer analogy serves as a helpful tool for some aspects of cognition, it falls short of encapsulating the full depth and adaptability of the human mind.

Schemas can lead to cognitive biases or errors as they shape the way information is processed, sometimes in a distorted or biased manner. One common way this occurs is through confirmation bias, where individuals pay more attention to or give more weight to information that confirms their existing beliefs or schemas. This can lead to selective attention and memory, overlooking or forgetting information that contradicts their pre-existing notions. Another error related to schemas is stereotyping, where oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people influence perceptions and interactions with individuals from that group. Schemas can also cause self-fulfilling prophecies, where one's expectations about a person or situation influence their behaviour towards that person or situation, potentially leading to the expected outcome. Additionally, in memory, schemas can lead to errors such as misattributions or false memories, where details are filled in or altered based on what is typical or expected rather than what actually occurred.

Advancements in technology have significantly influenced the study of cognitive psychology by providing new tools and methods for understanding the complexities of the human mind. Brain imaging technologies like fMRI and PET scans have enabled psychologists to observe and map brain activity in real-time, offering insights into how different cognitive processes are related to specific brain areas. This has led to a more detailed understanding of the neural basis of various cognitive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making. Computer technology has also played a pivotal role, not only in the development of computer models that simulate cognitive processes but also in data analysis, allowing for more complex and sophisticated statistical analysis of experimental data. Furthermore, technology has facilitated the collection of large datasets (big data), enabling researchers to investigate cognitive processes across diverse populations and settings. Overall, technology has expanded the scope and depth of cognitive psychology research, allowing for more precise and comprehensive investigations into the workings of the human mind.

Theoretical models in cognitive psychology are distinct in their focus on internal mental processes and how these processes influence behaviour. Unlike models in other branches of psychology, which may focus more on external behaviours, emotions, or social contexts, cognitive models primarily aim to map and understand the internal workings of the mind. Cognitive models often employ a computational or information-processing perspective, viewing the mind as analogous to a computer that inputs, processes, stores, and outputs information. This contrasts with, for example, behaviourist models, which focus on observable behaviours and their relationship to environmental stimuli, largely ignoring internal mental states. Similarly, psychoanalytic models emphasize unconscious processes and internal conflicts, which differ from the cognitive approach’s emphasis on conscious, logical information processing. Cognitive models are also typically more structured and specific in their predictions about mental processes, reflecting the cognitive psychology's focus on the scientific and empirical study of the mind.