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In your studies of cognitive psychology, you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Schmolck et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
In your studies of cognitive psychology, you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Schmolck et al. (2002) - Steyvers and He... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In your studies of cognitive psychology, you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Schmolck et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Schmolck et al. (2002)
Answer
The study conducted by Schmolck et al. (2002) involved a sample of 8 male controls and 1 female, alongside 5 males with brain damage. The cohort participated in a series of line drawings based on a predefined set of categories.
Participants examined 24 animals and 24 objects, categorizing them into 8 groups, which notably included birds. The researchers evaluated the accuracy of the participants in selecting correct statements based on line drawings, particularly examining statements 8 and 9.
The findings indicate that deficits in semantic knowledge were linked to damage within the temporal cortex, while also suggesting it affects memory and recognition capabilities.
This research provides insight into the interplay between brain structure and cognitive processing, demonstrating how specific brain injuries disrupt semantic knowledge.
Step 2
Evaluation of Schmolck et al. (2002) - AO3
Answer
One notable limitation of this study is that the sample may not accurately represent the wider population; the small number of participants with brain damage raises concerns over generalizability. Additionally, due to the subjective nature of memory recall, the findings may reflect individual variances in cognitive functioning rather than a broad understanding of brain-damage effects.
Furthermore, the reliance on a semantic test pre-dating the brain damage introduces a potential confound, as prior semantic knowledge could skew results. This raises questions about the validity of the conclusions drawn.
Lastly, the study is steeped in the tradition of older cognitive models, leaving it somewhat detached from newer theories in cognitive psychology that explore semantic memory.