Cognitive approach: Main assumptions (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

5.2.1 Cognitive approach: Main assumptions

Assumptions:

• The focus is on how internal mental processes (e.g.thinking, perception) and memory affect our behaviour.
• Behaviour can be largely explained by how the mind operates.
• The mind works similarly to a computer through inputting, storing and retrieving information. (Computer analogy).
• Humans are information processors.

• Internal mental processes can't be studied directly so inference is used.
• Psychology should be seen as a science