Use of Models to explain behaviour The Computer

Use of Models to explain behaviour The Computer Analogy

The Computer Analogy

The Influence of Computers n n Computers provided an analogy of human mental processing. Info is taken in, processed in some way, and this processing in turn affects behaviour and experience; The Computer Analogy

The Computer Model n The primary model used by cognitive psychologists to explain mental processes is that of the computer.

How is this possible? n n The computer is an information processor, and mental processes, such as memory, are seen to operate in a similar way. The computer model allows mental processes to be thought of in terms of inputting information, processing, storage and retrieving.

n In human terms, information is input through our senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Information is stored in memory and can be retrieved from memory through either recall or recognition.

What are the comparisons

Other Models n The computer provides a model at a general level, the cognitive approach also uses models for particular aspects of mental processes. A good example is memory, where a standard model distinguishes between STM (short-term memory) and LTM (long-term memory).

Define STM and LTM

n Any model of memory takes into account forgetting and the loss of information, which can happen in both STM and LTM. Finally a model of memory has to show data input from our senses.