Cognitive Perspective
From the IB
Introduction
Cognitive psychology is concerned with how people acquire, store, transform, use and communicate information. Cognitive psychologists rejected the behaviorist assumption that mental events or states were unsuitable for scientific research.
In this unit students will examine the model-based approach often employed by the cognitive perspective. Issues of ecological and construct validity will be explored with regard to the methods employed by the perspective. Memory is the topic which we will study in depth.
Objectives of the Unit:
• Describe and evaluate the cultural context and development, the conceptual framework, the methodology, and the application of the cognitive perspective.
• Describe and evaluate theories and empirical studies within this perspective.
• Explain how cultural, ethical, gender, and methodological considerations affect the interpretation of behavior from a cognitive perspective.
• Compare theories, empirical studies and the conceptual framework of this model with the other perspectives.
• Identify and explain the strengths and limitations of cognitive explanations of behavior
• Explain the extent to which free will and determinism are integral in this perspective.
• Assess the extent to which concepts and models of information processing have helped the understanding of cognition.
• Assess claims that this perspective lacks ecological validity, and be able to consider alternative research methods.
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