Cognitive Psychology

• Origins and history

• Assumptions

• Perception

• Neisser’s model of Perception

• Evaluation of Cognitive Ψ

Origins & History

• Started in 1950’s

• Foundations in GESTALT Ψ (Wertheimer, Kohler, Koffka)

• “Cognitive Ψ” coined by Neisser (1967)

• Examines internal workings of the mind

Assumptions

• Several different processing systems will work simultaneously and independently

• Each system changes information in regular and systematic ways

• There are physiological structures in the brain that react to internal stimuli and are not affected by external stimuli such as social interaction or culture

• Humans are like computers

Neisser (1976)

“…the term cognition refers to all processes by which the sensory input is transformed,

reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered and used…Given such a sweeping

definition, it is apparent that cognition is involved in everything a human might

possibly do…”

Perception

• One of the areas covered by Cognitive Ψ

• An interactive process

• Neisser (1976) Analysis by Synthesis Model

• We collect knowledge through schema• These schema are based on past experience and

direct perceptual exploration of environmental stimulus

Neisser (1976)Bottom up/

Top down

Feature analysis

Sensory Cues/features From the environment

Perceptual explorationsearches for

expected features

Schema

Neisser’s Model

• Neisser assumes this perpetual cycle exists in us all.

• We try to match the information we perceive with what we already know and if this fails to agree with our existing schema we modify it accordingly

• An initial analysis of the sensory cues/features takes place (bottom up process)

Neisser (1976) cont’d

• We might think we are seeing a chair for example and look for expected features such as four legs, a back and a seat…

• This is the top-down process which is based on our already existing schema of what a chair looks like and is based on past experience

• If the chair has only 3 legs and no back – a new schema must be activated… it might be a stool….

PARIS

IN THE

THE SPRING

EvaluationAdvantages• Enables us to study

individual components of the mind

• Helps us to understand changes in the way humans process information at different stages in their life

• Positive approach based on what humans CAN do, rather than what they can’t

• CBT is used to treat mental illness

• Can help people with physiological difficulties e.g. memory impairment

Disadvantages• Ignores the importance of

social or cultural factors• Cannot explain more complex

interactions or thought processes

• Computer analogy – too simple for humans we can evaluate (computers are only as good as their programmers)

• Only describes thinking processes – does not explain them

• Computers can only store and use a limited amount of information – the brain can handle any amount of material

Humanistic Approach

• Origins and history

• Assumptions

• Self Concept

• Roger’s Self Actualisation Theory

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• Evaluation

Origins & History

• Emerged around same time as Cognitive Ψ (1950’s)

• “Humanised” Ψ

• Main theorists include: Maslow, Rogers and Moustakas

• Termed “the third force” the other two being behaviourism and psychoanalysis

Assumptions

• Humans are essentially different from other animals as they have “free will” – the ability to choose, control and direct our own lives

• The best way to understand human experiences is to study the individual

Wade & Tavris (1990)

“Cognitive psychology does not yet have a unifying theory, and unlike other ‘brands’ of psychology…it lacks an acknowledged

spokesperson”

Gross (2005)

Roger’s Self-Actualisation Thoery

• Operates through the organismic valuing process – evaluating experiences

• Concerned with two inter-related aspects:1. Biological tendencies – promote behaviours

that keep us alive2. Individual unique tendencies towards

increased autonomy, self sufficiency and personal growth

Thus, self-actualisation involves maintenance and enhancement of the self

Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation

• Maslow (like Rogers) believed that people are inherently good and have the ability to achieve their innate potential given the right circumstances

• Maslow proposed a hierarchy of needs that motivate human behaviour

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Highest potential

Basic

Needs

Self Actualisation

Esteem Needs

Love and Belonging

Safety Needs

Physiological Needs

Self Actualisation

• Self-actualisation is a goal that only a few individuals aspire to but is never fully attained because:- it is the weakest of the needs- individuals are often scared of self knowledge or change- it requires a huge amount of self awareness, honesty and unselfish behaviour

Attributes of Self-actualisationIndividuals who have reached this will be:• Open to all experiences• Free of threat and anxiety• Psychologically healthy• Philosophical sense of humour, very creative• Spontaneous, accepting of self and others• Problem centred• Independent from culture and environment• Feel a deep desire to help mankind• Democratic and moralistic but in a non-judgemental way• There are more you can find out for yourselves…..

Self-actualisation

• It is an ongoing process – not an end state

• The characteristics overlap but each contributes to an understanding of a self actualising person

• Self-actualising individuals do not exhibit every characteristic – most have a large number of them.

EvaluationAdvantages

• Most dominant psychological approach today

• Investigates many areas of Ψ other areas ignore

• Balanced view of nature-nurture debate

• Explains many aspects of human behaviour and has useful practical applications

• Influenced and integrated with many other approaches and areas of study

Disadvantages

• Has been accused of being over simplistic – ignores the complexity of human functions compared to computers

• May be unrealistic and over hypothetical – ignores biological influences

• Cold approach ignores emotional life, conscious experiences and the possible use of free will in behaviour