Cognitive
AS Level Psychology: Cognitive Approaches
What is Cognitive Psychology? 🧠
Cognitive psychology studies how we think, learn, remember, and solve problems. Think of it as the brain’s “software” that runs on the “hardware” of our nervous system.
Key concepts: Perception, Attention, Memory, Language, Problem‑solving, and Decision making.
The Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch) 📚
Working memory is like a mental “scratchpad” where information is temporarily held and manipulated.
$$\text{Working Memory Model: } \text{Phonological Loop} + \text{Visuospatial Sketchpad} + \text{Central Executive}$$
- Phonological Loop: Holds spoken words (e.g., repeating a phone number).
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: Holds images and spatial information (e.g., remembering a map).
- Central Executive: Directs attention and coordinates the two subsystems.
The Forgetting Curve (Ebbinghaus) 🔁
Ebbinghaus showed that memory retention drops sharply after learning, then levels off. The curve looks like this:
$$\text{Retention} = e^{-kt}$$
Tip: Review material at spaced intervals to flatten the curve.
Key Cognitive Theories & Models
| Theory | Key Researchers | Core Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Information Processing | Atkinson & Shiffrin | Memory as a series of stages: sensory, short‑term, long‑term. |
| Dual‑Coding Theory | Paivio | Information is stored both verbally and visually. |
| Cognitive Load Theory | Sweller | Learning is affected by the amount of mental effort required. |
Famous Cognitive Experiments
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Stanford Prison Experiment (Zimbardo) – Social Cognition
Shows how situational factors influence behavior.
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Hawthorne Effect – Motivation & Attention
Participants change behavior when they know they’re observed.
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Memory Span Tasks – Working Memory Capacity
Participants repeat sequences of digits or letters.
Result: $7 \pm 2$ items can be held in short‑term memory.
Exam Tips for Cognitive Psychology 📑
- Use diagrams to illustrate models (e.g., Working Memory).
- Remember key terms and their definitions (e.g., encoding, retrieval).
- Practice multiple‑choice questions by identifying the correct theory or researcher.
- For short answer questions, structure your answer: Define → Explain → Example.
- Use the PEEL structure for essay questions: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link.
- Time yourself: allocate 5 minutes for planning, 15 minutes for writing, 5 minutes for review.
Revision
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