Cognitive Models
What is a cognitive model? define.
A simplified, theoretical representation of how mental processes work.
What are the 6 main research methods we explore in this unit
experiment
survey/questionnaire
interview
observation
correlation
case study
What is one key feature of Individualism
- prioritizes rights, independence and self-interest of individuals.
- believes each person posses inherent value
- each person can make independent choices and pursue own goals.
What is the neurotransmitter associated with memory?
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Define an animal model
when animals are used to help explain human behaviour; often represent biological processes.
What is the capacity and duration and control process of the Short Term Memory store
7 + or - 2 items
18-30 seconds
with attention, information enters STM. IF rehearsed information moves to LTM
What are the 4 types of sampling techniques
self-selected (volunteer)
opportunity (convenience)
random
stratified
What are 2 key features of collectivism
- emphasises the well-being and interests of the group / community. This is prioritized over individual goals.
- Individuals define themselves in relation to others (e.g., “I am a member of…”).
- Communication is often indirect to avoid potential conflict or embarrassment.1
- Stresses altruism
- Group loyalty is encouraged.
- Decisions are based on what is best for the group.
What are the key terms related to neuroplasticity? (These terms should be used in your 'content' paragraph)
- Long-term potentiation
- Dendritic branching
- neural pruning
- cortical remapping
What are the three R's relating to ethical considerations for animal models
Reduce (the number of animals used)
Refine (experimental procedures to improve animal welfare)
Replace (different methods or different animals)
Explain how the Multi-Store Memory Model works
The Multistore Memory Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968) explains memory as a process involving three distinct stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Information first enters sensory memory, where it is briefly held before attention transfers it to STM. STM has a limited capacity and duration, and rehearsal is needed to encode information into LTM, which has potentially unlimited capacity and duration. The model assumes that these stores are separate and sequential.
Explain the difference between true experiment and quasi experiment (there are 3 key points)
true experiment - manipulation of the IV. Because of high level of control, can form causal conclusions. Participants can be randomly allocated
quasi - naturally occurring IV. Cannot draw conclusions about causality. Participants cannot be randomly allocated.
Explain the difference between Emic and Etic perspectives and approaches to research
ETIC - Applies findings globally; assumes behaviors are universal. Uses standardised tests, plans research before arriving in the field.
EMIC - Applies findings to local community being investigated, Develops research question after spending time with local community and in consultation with local experts.
How do neurotransmitters work? (how do they communicate information?)
Action potential > travels along axon terminal > electrical impulse causes pre-synaptic neuron to release neurotransmitters = transmit signals across synapses (gaps between nerve cells) to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron > fires again or signal is inhibited.
Aim and findings of Rogers and Kesner (2003) study?
Aim - investigated the role of acetylcholine in the formation and retrieval of spatial memory.
Findings - scopolamine (antagonist blocker) group took longer and made more mistakes in the learning of the maze
Therefore - acetylcholine may play some role in the consolidation of spatial memories.
How do Glanzer and Cuntiz's findings on the serial position effect support the MSM?
immediate recall - primacy and recency effects were still present. This demonstrates that primacy effect is the result of rehearsal (STM control process).
However, recency effect disappeared with the 30-second delay. This highlights the role of STM, as the rehearsal process within this store was disrupted due to the distraction task, leading to information being forgotten. Therefore recency effect relies on temporary storage of information in STM.
Why do survey's threaten validity?
Because survey/questionnaire's use self-reported data, they are open to response bias = our tendency to provide inaccurate or even false answers.
Explain how Kulfolsky's findings demonstrate cross-cultural differences.
Individualistic cultures are more likely to form FBMs around personally meaningful events due to people having an independent sense of self and engage in personal rehearsal,
compared to collectivist cultures where FBMs are more tied to events important to the group, reflecting an interdependent sense of self. Therefore, cultural values influence what triggers and shapes FBM.
How do Maguire's findings support concept of neuroplasticity?
- more grey matter volume in the posterior hippocampus and smaller volume in the anterior hippocampus compared to controls.
- Brain volume positively correlated with number of years spent as a taxi driver.
- therefore brain structure can change in response to environmental demands
One positive and one negative of using animal models
positive - 1. Allows study of cause-and-effect relationships. 2. When a study is well-controlled and isolates IV, it has high internal validity. 3. ethical
negative - 1. oversimplifies complex processes. 2. external validity (generalizability) is low.
What is one strength and one limitation of cognitive models.
limitations: 1) over-simplification which ignores complexity = too reductionistic 2) static representation 3) indirect evidence = based on behaviour or brain scans; not direct observation.
Match the following terms to the concepts of Bias, Causality, Measurement
demand characteristics, construct validity, internal validity, carry-over effects, quasi experiment, control variables, selection bias, social desirability bias, ecological validity, population validity, placebo.
Bias - demand characteristics, selection bias, social desirability, population validity (e.g., sampling bias), placebo (e.g., response bias)
Causality - internal validity, quasi experiment, control variables, ecological validity.
Measurement - construct validity, carry-over effects
Why do individualists tend to have more FBMs?
•Independent self-construal – Memory is encoded with the self as the central reference point; personally significant events are more emotionally arousing.
•Cultural norms for rehearsal – Individualists may talk more openly about personal achievements or significant events (overt rehearsal), reinforcing vividness.
•Emotional salience – Individualists perceive self-related events as more important, boosting amygdala activation and consolidation.
What is a limitation of neuroplasicity research in regards to measurement?
●Studies investigating brain-behaviour relationships often rely on specific methodologies (e.g, MRI) that can have their own limitations.
●Resolution constraints
●Challenge or correlating structural changes with specific behaviours conclusively
- reductionist (isolating one variable; assumes animal subjects may be used to draw conclusions about human cognition)
- biological perspective