Cognitive Psychology Principles

Learning OutcomeC1- Outline principles that define the cognitive level of analysis.

Key Term:Schema Theory

Mr. Bonica’s Story

How did Mr. Bonica arrive at his original interpretation of the banker?

What factors led Mr. Bonica to make the mistake that he did?

What is Cognitive Psychology?Cognitive Psychology is the study of how humans acquire, process and store information from their environment.

Study mental processes such as perception, memory, attention, decision making, and language.

Relatively young branch of psychology (1960’s).

If you are a Cognitive Psychologist you believe…1. Human Beings are information

processors and mental processes guide behavior.

2. The mind can be studied scientifically.

3. Cognitive processes are influenced by social and cultural factors.

1. Human Beings are information processors and mental processes guide behavior.

Humans gather information from our environments and shape them into meaning. The way we perceive the world impacts the way we behave in it.

Connection between the brain and the mind.

2. The mind can be studied scientifically.

Cognitive Processes that we cannot see (memory, perception) can be studied using the scientific method.

3. Cognitive processes are influenced by social and cultural factors.The culture and society we are raised in change the way we process, store, and recall information.

Difference Between Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Brain vs. MindBiology focuses on physical explanations of behavior (reductionism)

Cognitive focuses on mental processing (information processing)

Schema TheoryA mental representation of knowledge stored in the brain. A Schema can be seen as a network of knowledge, beliefs, and expectations about particular aspects of the world.

We see the world how we expect to see it…

Magic & Cognition “Magic” is a manipulation of your attention and perception.

When our schemas are violated, wonder takes over and we work to fill in the holes…When we can’t…”ITS MAGIC!”