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Dec 21, 2025
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Amala Seth
@amala_seth
The cognitive approach revolutionised psychology by arguing that we can... Show more
Think about when you're revising for an exam - you're using mental processes like attention, memory, perception, and thinking. The cognitive approach studies exactly these internal processes that behaviourists ignored.
Since we can't directly peek inside someone's brain to see their thoughts, psychologists use inferences - basically making educated guesses about what's happening in the mind based on what people do. It's like being a detective, using clues from behaviour to solve the mystery of mental processes.
Psychologists create theoretical models (diagrams showing how mental processes work) and computer models (computer simulations) to help visualise and test ideas. The information processing approach is particularly important - it shows how information flows through our minds in stages, like the multi-store model of memory.
Quick Tip: Think of your mind like a computer processing information - this analogy helps explain many cognitive concepts!
Your brain is constantly using schemas - mental packages of information that help you quickly understand and respond to situations. These cognitive frameworks develop from birth (starting with simple motor schemas) and grow more complex through experience.
Schemas are brilliant because they let you process information rapidly and predict what'll happen next. However, they can also distort your interpretations and lead to mistakes - like assuming someone's personality based on stereotypes.
Cognitive neuroscience emerged in the mid-1800s when Paul Broca discovered Broca's area (the brain region for speech). Modern technology like fMRI and PET scans now lets scientists observe exactly which brain parts are active during different mental processes.
Key research includes Tulving's work on episodic and semantic memory locations, and studies linking brain areas to psychiatric disorders like OCD.
Remember: Schemas are like mental shortcuts - helpful but sometimes misleading!
When answering exam questions about the cognitive approach, remember it's all about studying mental processes like perception, memory, attention, and consciousness. Since these are internal and invisible, psychologists study them indirectly through inferences.
Theoretical models use diagrams to represent complex processes simply - think of the multi-store model of memory as a flowchart showing how information moves through different memory stores. Computer models use actual computer simulations to test theories about how the mind works.
Your schemas act like mental filing systems, organising and interpreting information based on past experiences. They're incredibly useful for making quick decisions with incomplete information, but can also create perceptual errors when they lead you to wrong conclusions.
This approach has revolutionised psychology by making the study of internal mental processes scientifically respectable and measurable.
Exam Tip: Always explain how inferences work - psychologists observe behaviour to draw conclusions about hidden mental processes.
The cognitive approach scores major points for being scientific. Modern technology like fMRI scans provides non-invasive ways to explore how the mind actually works, giving us concrete evidence rather than just guesswork. This beats old-fashioned methods like Wundt's introspection, which was highly subjective and unreliable.
However, there's a significant weakness: many cognitive studies lack ecological validity. Maguire's famous study of taxi drivers' hippocampal volume was groundbreaking for understanding memory, but being scanned in an MRI machine isn't exactly a typical daily experience.
The findings from laboratory-based cognitive research often struggle to generalise to real-world situations. This creates a gap between what we discover in controlled scientific conditions and how people actually think and behave in everyday life.
Despite these limitations, the scientific credibility of the cognitive approach has massively advanced our understanding of mental processes and brain function.
Critical Thinking: Always consider whether research findings apply to real-life situations outside the lab!
Another major criticism is that the cognitive approach can be reductionist - it breaks down complex human behaviour into simplified parts whilst ignoring crucial factors like emotion and motivation. For example, we know Broca's area handles speech, but we still don't fully understand the complex processes involved in how this brain region actually produces speech.
The reliance on computer models also creates problems. Take the multi-store model of memory - whilst it's simple to understand, computers can't truly represent humans because they don't forget information like we do (thanks to hard drives that store everything permanently).
This limited explanatory power means computer analogies can only take us so far in understanding human cognition. Real human thinking involves emotions, creativity, and unpredictability that computers simply can't replicate.
These limitations highlight the ongoing challenge in cognitive psychology: balancing scientific rigour with the complexity of actual human mental processes.
Think About It: Humans aren't computers - our minds involve messy emotions and motivations that simple models can't capture!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Amala Seth
@amala_seth
The cognitive approach revolutionised psychology by arguing that we can actually study what goes on inside people's minds - something behaviourists said was impossible. It focuses on mental processes like memory, attention, and thinking, using clever scientific methods to understand... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Think about when you're revising for an exam - you're using mental processes like attention, memory, perception, and thinking. The cognitive approach studies exactly these internal processes that behaviourists ignored.
Since we can't directly peek inside someone's brain to see their thoughts, psychologists use inferences - basically making educated guesses about what's happening in the mind based on what people do. It's like being a detective, using clues from behaviour to solve the mystery of mental processes.
Psychologists create theoretical models (diagrams showing how mental processes work) and computer models (computer simulations) to help visualise and test ideas. The information processing approach is particularly important - it shows how information flows through our minds in stages, like the multi-store model of memory.
Quick Tip: Think of your mind like a computer processing information - this analogy helps explain many cognitive concepts!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your brain is constantly using schemas - mental packages of information that help you quickly understand and respond to situations. These cognitive frameworks develop from birth (starting with simple motor schemas) and grow more complex through experience.
Schemas are brilliant because they let you process information rapidly and predict what'll happen next. However, they can also distort your interpretations and lead to mistakes - like assuming someone's personality based on stereotypes.
Cognitive neuroscience emerged in the mid-1800s when Paul Broca discovered Broca's area (the brain region for speech). Modern technology like fMRI and PET scans now lets scientists observe exactly which brain parts are active during different mental processes.
Key research includes Tulving's work on episodic and semantic memory locations, and studies linking brain areas to psychiatric disorders like OCD.
Remember: Schemas are like mental shortcuts - helpful but sometimes misleading!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When answering exam questions about the cognitive approach, remember it's all about studying mental processes like perception, memory, attention, and consciousness. Since these are internal and invisible, psychologists study them indirectly through inferences.
Theoretical models use diagrams to represent complex processes simply - think of the multi-store model of memory as a flowchart showing how information moves through different memory stores. Computer models use actual computer simulations to test theories about how the mind works.
Your schemas act like mental filing systems, organising and interpreting information based on past experiences. They're incredibly useful for making quick decisions with incomplete information, but can also create perceptual errors when they lead you to wrong conclusions.
This approach has revolutionised psychology by making the study of internal mental processes scientifically respectable and measurable.
Exam Tip: Always explain how inferences work - psychologists observe behaviour to draw conclusions about hidden mental processes.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The cognitive approach scores major points for being scientific. Modern technology like fMRI scans provides non-invasive ways to explore how the mind actually works, giving us concrete evidence rather than just guesswork. This beats old-fashioned methods like Wundt's introspection, which was highly subjective and unreliable.
However, there's a significant weakness: many cognitive studies lack ecological validity. Maguire's famous study of taxi drivers' hippocampal volume was groundbreaking for understanding memory, but being scanned in an MRI machine isn't exactly a typical daily experience.
The findings from laboratory-based cognitive research often struggle to generalise to real-world situations. This creates a gap between what we discover in controlled scientific conditions and how people actually think and behave in everyday life.
Despite these limitations, the scientific credibility of the cognitive approach has massively advanced our understanding of mental processes and brain function.
Critical Thinking: Always consider whether research findings apply to real-life situations outside the lab!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Another major criticism is that the cognitive approach can be reductionist - it breaks down complex human behaviour into simplified parts whilst ignoring crucial factors like emotion and motivation. For example, we know Broca's area handles speech, but we still don't fully understand the complex processes involved in how this brain region actually produces speech.
The reliance on computer models also creates problems. Take the multi-store model of memory - whilst it's simple to understand, computers can't truly represent humans because they don't forget information like we do (thanks to hard drives that store everything permanently).
This limited explanatory power means computer analogies can only take us so far in understanding human cognition. Real human thinking involves emotions, creativity, and unpredictability that computers simply can't replicate.
These limitations highlight the ongoing challenge in cognitive psychology: balancing scientific rigour with the complexity of actual human mental processes.
Think About It: Humans aren't computers - our minds involve messy emotions and motivations that simple models can't capture!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Working Memory Model, including detailed explanations of its components: the central executive, phonological loop, and visuo-spatial sketchpad. This summary provides essential information for exam preparation and understanding cognitive processes in memory. Ideal for students studying models of memory.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of cognitive psychology, including models of memory, cognitive processes, and the role of schemas. This summary delves into the biological bases of behavior, cognitive neuroscience, and evaluates various approaches within the field. Ideal for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of cognitive theories and their applications in therapy and memory studies.
PsychologyExplore the limitations of machine reductionism in cognitive psychology, focusing on schemas and their impact on mental processes. This summary highlights key concepts such as cognitive frameworks, the role of inference, and the implications of faulty schemas on mental health. Ideal for students studying the cognitive approach in psychology.
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
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