1. Schema Theory (Cognition & Behaviour)
Definition:
Schemas are mental frameworks that organize knowledge and guide information processing.
Key Concepts:
- Assimilation (fit info into schema)
- Accommodation (change schema)
- Can lead to bias/distortion
Study:
- Frederic Bartlett – War of the Ghosts
- → Participants distorted story to fit cultural schemas.
Evaluation:
- Explains memory distortions
- − Hard to measure schemas directly
- − Lab studies lack ecological validity
Exam Tip: Link to memory reliability
2. Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)
Definition:
Working memory has limited capacity → learning depends on managing load.
Types of Load:
- Intrinsic (task difficulty)
- Extraneous (poor teaching)
- Germane (useful processing)
Application: Education, instructional design
Study:
- John Sweller
- → Worked examples improve learning
Evaluation:
- Strong real-world application
- − Oversimplifies cognition
3. Localization of Function
Definition:
Specific brain areas have specific functions.
Key Areas:
- Broca’s area → speech production
- Wernicke’s area → language comprehension
Study:
- Paul Broca – patient “Tan”
- → Speech impairment linked to frontal lobe
Evaluation:
- Strong biological evidence
- − Brain works in networks (not isolated)
4. Biological Factors in Cognition
Example: Neurotransmitters & Memory
Study:
- Daniel Schacter
- (Or use Draganski / Maguire instead depending on topic)
Alternative:
- Eleanor Maguire
- → Hippocampus linked to spatial memory
Evaluation:
- Objective methods
- − Correlation ≠ causation
5. Neuroplasticity
Definition:
Brain’s ability to change structurally and functionally.
Study:
- Eleanor Maguire
- → Larger hippocampi in taxi drivers
Evaluation:
- Shows adaptability
- − Individual differences
Exam Link: recovery after injury
6. Brain Imaging Techniques
Types:
- fMRI → blood flow
- PET → metabolic activity
Study:
- Daniel Schacter
- → Different brain areas for true vs false memories
Evaluation:
- Objective, scientific
- − Expensive, artificial environments
7. Cognitive Models
Definition:
Simplified representations of mental processes.
Example: Multi-Store Model
- Sensory → STM → LTM
Researchers:
- Richard Atkinson
- Richard Shiffrin
Evaluation:
- Easy to understand
- − Oversimplified (ignores interaction)
8. Cultural Dimensions / Factors
Theory:
- Geert Hofstede
Dimensions Example:
- Individualism vs collectivism
Study:
- Hazel Markus
- → Cultural differences in cognition
Evaluation:
- Explains cross-cultural variation
- − Risk of stereotyping
9. Environmental Factors (Technology)
Focus: Digital Media & Cognition
Study:
- Betsy Sparrow
- → “Google effect” (less memory retention)
Evaluation:
- Relevant to real life
- − Rapidly changing field
10. Strategies to Improve Cognition
Method of Loci
Definition: Memory technique using spatial memory
Study:
- Gordon Bower
- → Improved recall
Spaced Repetition
Definition: Distributed practice over time
Study:
- Hermann Ebbinghaus
- → Spacing improves retention
Evaluation (both):
- Strong empirical support
- − Requires effort/discipline