Cognitive Approach
Definition
The cognitive approach in psychology is a way of understanding human behavior that focuses on how we think. It suggests that our thought processes affect the way we behave.
Analogy
Think of your brain as a computer. Just like how a computer needs to process data to perform tasks, your brain needs to process information (thoughts) to influence your actions and reactions.
Related terms
Schema: These are mental concepts or frameworks that help us organize and interpret information. They're like the folders in your computer where you store related files.
Cognitive Dissonance: This is the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or perceptions at the same time. It's like trying to run two incompatible software programs on your computer simultaneously - it just doesn't work smoothly!
Perception: This is the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events. It's like when your computer takes raw data and turns it into an image on your screen.
"Cognitive Approach" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (4)
How does the cognitive approach differ from the behavioral approach to understanding human psychology?
Which treatment method is likely used by a therapist following the cognitive approach for someone suffering from phobias?
How do the behavioral and cognitive approaches to treating phobias differ?
Regarding the cognitive approach to changing attitudes, what is a significant ethical concern?
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