Assess one non-biological theory/explanation for schizophrenia. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 2

The cognitive explanation for schizophrenia posits that cognitive processes play a crucial role in the development of symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

1. Cognitive Overload: According to this theory, individuals with schizophrenia experience sensory overload, which means they struggle to filter out irrelevant information from their environment. This inability can lead to symptoms like hallucinations, where a person may hear voices that are not present.

2. Inner Voice Misinterpretation: Schizophrenics may misinterpret their inner voice as an external voice, which can confuse and distress them. This misunderstanding can lead to the emergence of further symptoms, such as paranoia or disorganized thought processes.

3. Memory and Perception Issues: A connection between memory and perception may also contribute to disorganized thinking. For instance, when a person tries to make sense of delusions, they might experience further symptoms of disconnection from reality.

4. Research Support: Several studies support this explanation. For example, research using PET scans has shown that individuals with schizophrenia exhibit less activity in the frontal lobes, which are crucial for monitoring sensory information. McGuire et al. (1996) demonstrated that during hallucinations, the temporal lobe is less active. This disconnect may further hinder their ability to manage cognitive processes effectively.

5. Evaluating the Theory: While the cognitive explanation offers valuable insights into the cognitive dysfunctions present in schizophrenia, it is important to note that it does not provide a complete picture. For instance, Dickson et al. (2018) indicated that social factors and neurotransmitters are critical in understanding schizophrenia's complexities. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapies have shown efficacy in alleviating symptoms, suggesting there may be alternative or additional factors at play beyond cognitive explanations.