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In cognitive psychology and learning theories you will have learned about the use of psychological knowledge in society, including key questions of relevance in society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 13
In cognitive psychology and learning theories you will have learned about the use of psychological knowledge in society, including key questions of relevance in soci... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In cognitive psychology and learning theories you will have learned about the use of psychological knowledge in society, including key questions of relevance in society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the use of psychological knowledge from cognitive psychology in society.
Answer
Cognitive psychology provides insights into how individuals process, store, and retrieve information. The understanding of memory functioning—particularly the concept of reconstructive memory—highlights that new information can be assimilated into existing memories, potentially leading to inaccuracies. For instance, people might misremember details about an event if they are influenced by misleading information, affecting testimonies in legal settings.
Moreover, cognitive psychology emphasizes the importance of working memory, which is crucial for tasks requiring attention and information manipulation. Research has shown that interventions can improve processing for individuals with dyslexia, showcasing practical applications of cognitive knowledge in educational contexts.
Step 2
Evaluate the use of learning theories in society.
Answer
Learning theories, particularly social learning theory and operant conditioning, emphasize the role of observation and reinforcement in behavior acquisition. For example, social learning theory posits that individuals often emulate behaviors observed in role models, which can have positive or negative societal implications. An instance of this is related to media portrayals of aggression, which may influence viewers to adopt similar behaviors if they perceive them as being rewarded.
Additionally, operant conditioning demonstrates that behaviors can be reinforced through rewards, enhancing the likelihood of their recurrence. In educational settings, reinforcement techniques can be employed to motivate students and encourage desired behaviors, illustrating the practical relevance of learning theories in institutional contexts.
Step 3
Provide examples of research supporting cognitive psychology and learning theories.
Answer
Dunning et al. (2012) showed that verbal working memory impacts performance on memory tasks, emphasizing the importance of cognitive functions in educational contexts. Likewise, Yuille and Cutshall (1986) suggest that eyewitnesses can be more accurate than laboratory experiments indicate, pointing out the complexities of memory recall in real-life situations.
Moreover, Eron et al. (1972) found that children who watched aggressive television shows exhibited more aggressive behavior, supporting the notion that exposure to certain behaviors influences individual behavior through learned experiences. These studies underscore how cognitive psychology and learning theories can be utilized to understand and address behavioral issues in society.