12.2.3

Cognitive Explanations

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Cognitive Explanations for Schizophrenia

Cognitive explanations of schizophrenia focus on the role of mental processes, such as several types of abnormal information processing which we can identify in many of the symptoms of schizophrenia.

__Christopher Frith et al. (1992)__

Christopher Frith et al. (1992)

  • Christopher Frith et al. (1992) identified two kinds of dysfunctional thought processing that could underlie some symptoms:
    • Central control.
    • Meta-representation.
  • Central control refers to the ability to suppress automatic responses while performing deliberate actions.
  • Malfunction of central control could explain disorganised speech and thought because the patient is unable to suppress automatic thoughts and speech triggered by other thoughts.
Meta-representation

Meta-representation

  • Meta-representation refers to the cognitive ability to reflect on thoughts and behaviours.
  • This cognitive ability gives individuals insight into their own intentions and goals, as well as the ability to interpret the reactions of others.
Dysfunction of meta-representation

Dysfunction of meta-representation

  • Dysfunction of meta-representation would disrupt our ability to recognise our own actions and thoughts as being carried out by ourselves rather than somebody else.
  • Dysfunction of meta-representation would explain hallucinations, such as hearing voices and delusions, as internal thoughts believed to have originated in the environment.
  • It would also explain other symptoms, such as thought insertion, where patients believe that others have projected thoughts into their mind.
Criticisms of cognitive explanations

Criticisms of cognitive explanations

  • There remain problems with cognitive explanations of schizophrenia.
  • Although links between schizophrenia and faulty cognitions are clear, cognitive explanations do little to explain the causes of the disorder.

Support for Cognitive Explanations

There is strong support for the proposal that information is processed differently in the mind of schizophrenia sufferers.

__Stirling et al. (2006)__

Stirling et al. (2006)

  • Stirling at al. (2006) compared 30 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia with 18 non-patient controls.
  • They compared them on a range of cognitive tasks, like the Stroop test.
Results of the Stroop test

Results of the Stroop test

  • In the Stroop test, participants are asked to name the colour of the ink that a word (naming a different colour) is written in. Participants need to suppress the impulse to read the word to complete the task.
  • Patients took over twice as long to name the ink colour as the control group. This supports the theory of central control.

Neufeld (1978) - Comparing Cognitive Processes

Neufeld (1978) investigated cognitive deficits in schizophrenics.

Research aim

Research aim

  • In an experiment, Neufeld (1978) compared paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics to normal controls on a sentence verification task.
  • The task permitted separation of times taken for central scanning and comparison operations and for operations associated with response selection and response execution.
Results & conclusion

Results & conclusion

  • Results
    • Both groups of schizophrenics took the same amount of time as the normal controls for response selection and responses execution. However, both took longer for central scanning and comparison operations.
  • Conclusion
    • Neufeld concluded that the cognitive deficits were in the short term and working memory of the schizophrenics.
Evaluation

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Controlled task.
    • Replicable.
  • Limitations
    • Small sample, might not be representative.
    • Individual differences.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

1.1

Social Influence

1.1.1Conformity1.1.2Jenness' Conformity Study1.1.3Asch (1951)1.1.4Sherif (1935)1.1.5Conformity to Social Roles1.1.6End of Topic Test - Conformity1.1.7Obedience1.1.8Analysing Milgram's Experiment1.1.9Agentic State & Legitimate Authority1.1.10Variables of Obedience1.1.11Resistance to Social Influence1.1.12Minority Influence & Social Change1.1.13Minority Influence & Social Impact Theory1.1.14End of Topic Test - Social Influences1.1.15Exam-Style Question - Conformity1.1.16Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Social Influence
2

Memory

2.1

Memory

2.1.1Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.2Short-Term vs Long-Term Memory2.1.3Support for the Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.4Duration Studies2.1.5Capacity Studies2.1.6Coding Studies2.1.7The Working Memory Model2.1.8The Working Memory Model 22.1.9Support for the Working Memory Model2.1.10Explanations for Forgetting2.1.11Studies on Interference2.1.12Cue-Dependent Forgetting2.1.13Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus & Palmer2.1.14Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus2.1.15Eyewitness Testimony - Post-Event Discussion2.1.16Eyewitness Testimony - Age & Anxiety2.1.17Cognitive Interview2.1.18Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher2.1.19End of Topic Test - Memory2.1.20Exam-Style Question - Memory
3

Attachment

3.1

Attachment

3.1.1The Concept of Attachment3.1.2Animal Studies of Attachment3.1.3Explanations of Attachment3.1.4Attachment Types - Strange Situation3.1.5Cultural Differences in Attachment3.1.6Disruption of Attachment3.1.7Disruption of Attachment - Privation3.1.8Overcoming the Effects of Disruption3.1.9The Effects of Institutionalisation3.1.10Early Attachment3.1.11Critical Period of Attachment3.1.12End of Topic Test - Attachment3.1.13Exam-Style Question - Attachment3.1.14Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Attachment
4

Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

4.1

Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

4.1.1Deviation from Social Norms4.1.2Deviation from Social Norms 24.1.3Phobias, Depression & OCD4.1.4Phobias: Behavioural Approach4.1.5Evaluation of Behavioural Explanations of Phobias4.1.6Depression: Cognitive Approach4.1.7OCD: Biological Approach4.1.8Evidence for the Biological Approach4.1.9End of Topic Test - Psychopathy4.1.10Exam-Style Question - Phobias4.1.11Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Psychopathology4.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Phobia vs Fear4.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Depression & Self-Harm4.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Desensitisation
5

Approaches in Psychology

5.1

Approaches in Psychology

5.1.1The Behaviourist Approach - Classical Conditioning5.1.2Pavlov's Experiment5.1.3Little Albert Study5.1.4The Behaviourist Approach - Operant Conditioning5.1.5Social Learning Theory5.1.6The Cognitive Approach 15.1.7The Cognitive Approach 25.1.8The Biological Approach5.1.9The Biological Approach 25.1.10Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies5.1.11Brain Scanning5.1.12Structure of Personality & Little Hans5.1.13The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)5.1.14Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)5.1.15Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)5.1.16End of Topic Test - Approaches
5.2

Comparison of Approaches (A2 only)

5.2.1Psychodynamic Approach5.2.2Cognitive Approach5.2.3Biological Approach5.2.4Behavioural Approach5.2.5End of Topic Test - Comparison of Approaches
6

Biopsychology

6.1

Biopsychology

6.1.1Nervous System Divisions6.1.2Neuron Structure & Function6.1.3Neurotransmitters6.1.4Endocrine System Function6.1.5Fight or Flight Response6.1.6The Brain (A2 only)6.1.7Localisation of Brain Function (A2 only)6.1.8Studying the Brain (A2 only)6.1.9CIMT (A2 Only) & Postmortem6.1.10Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Biopsychology6.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Plasticity & Recovery6.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Endogenous Pacemakers6.1.13End of Topic Test - Biopsychology
7

Research Methods

7.1

Research Methods

7.1.1Experimental Method7.1.2Observational Techniques7.1.3Covert, Overt & Controlled Observation7.1.4Self-Report Techniques7.1.5Correlations7.1.6Exam-Style Question - Research Methods7.1.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sign Test7.1.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Content & Thematic7.1.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Valid vs Reliable7.1.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Confounding Variable7.1.11End of Topic Test - Research Methods
7.2

Scientific Processes

7.2.1Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling7.2.2Pilot Studies & Design7.2.3Questionnaires7.2.4Variables & Control7.2.5Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects7.2.6Ethics7.2.7Limitations of Ethical Guidelines7.2.8Consent & Protection from Harm Studies7.2.9Peer Review & The Economy7.2.10Validity (A2 only)7.2.11Reliability (A2 only)7.2.12Features of Science (A2 only)7.2.13Paradigms & Falsifiability (A2 only)7.2.14Scientific Report (A2 only)7.2.15Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)7.2.16End of Topic Test - Scientific
7.3

Data Handling & Analysis

7.3.1Types of Data7.3.2Descriptive Statistics7.3.3Correlation7.3.4Evaluation of Descriptive Statistics7.3.5Presentation & Display of Data7.3.6Levels of Measurement (A2 only)7.3.7Coding in Content Analysis (A2 only)7.3.8Case Studies (A2 only)7.3.9End of Topic Test - Data Handling
7.4

Inferential Testing

7.4.1Introduction to Inferential Testing7.4.2Sign Test7.4.3Piaget Conservation Experiment7.4.4Non-Parametric Tests
8

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

8.1

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

8.1.1Culture Bias8.1.2Sub-Culture Bias8.1.3Gender Bias8.1.4Ethnocentrism8.1.5Cross Cultural Research8.1.6Free Will & Determinism8.1.7Comparison of Free Will & Determinism8.1.8Reductionism & Holism8.1.9Reductionist & Holistic Approaches8.1.10Nature-Nurture Debate8.1.11Interactionist Approach8.1.12Nature-Nurture Methods8.1.13Nature-Nurture Approaches8.1.14Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches8.1.15Socially Sensitive Research8.1.16End of Topic Test - Issues and Debates
9

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

9.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

9.1.1Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure9.1.2Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory9.1.3Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attributes9.1.4Matching Hypothesis Studies9.1.5Factors Affecting Physical Attraction9.1.6Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 19.1.7Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 29.1.8Evaluation of Filter Theory9.1.9End of Topic Test - Relationships
9.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

9.2.1Social Exchange Theory9.2.2Evaluation of Social Exchange Theory9.2.3Equity Theory9.2.4Evaluation of Equity Theory9.2.5Rusbult’s Investment Model9.2.6Evaluation of Rusbult's Investment Model9.2.7Relationship Breakdown9.2.8Studies on Relationship Breakdown9.2.9Evaluation of Relationship Breakdown9.2.10End of Topic Test - Romantic relationships
9.3

Relationships: Online (A2 only)

9.3.1Online Relationships9.3.2Evaluation of Reduced Cues & Hyperpersonal9.3.3Self Disclosure in Online Relationships9.3.4Parasocial Relationships9.3.5Attachment Theory & Parasocial Relationships9.3.6Evaluation of Parasocial Relationship Theories9.3.7End of Topic Test - Online Relationships
10

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

10.1

Gender (A2 only)

10.1.1Biological Sex10.1.2The Role of Hormones in Biological Sex10.1.3Biological Explanations of Gender Development10.1.4Gender Identities & BSRI10.1.5Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Constancy10.1.6Evaluation of Kohlberg's Theory10.1.7Gender Schema Theory10.1.8Social Approach to Gender Development10.1.9Criticisms of Social Theory10.1.10Media Influence on Gender Development10.1.11Gender Incongruence10.1.12End of Topic Test - Gender
11

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

11.1

Cognition & Development (A2 only)

11.1.1Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development 111.1.2Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development 211.1.3Schema Accommodation Assimilation & Equilibration11.1.4Piaget & Inhelder’s Three Mountains Task (1956)11.1.5Conservation & Class Inclusion11.1.6Evaluation of Piaget11.1.7Vygotsky11.1.8Evaluation of Vygotsky11.1.9Baillargeon11.1.10Baillargeon's studies11.1.11Evaluation of Baillargeon11.1.12Sense of Self & Theory of Mind11.1.13Baron-Cohen Studies11.1.14Selman’s Five Levels of Perspective Taking11.1.15Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.16Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.17Issues in Social Neuroscience11.1.18Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Cognition & Development11.1.19End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 111.1.20End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 211.1.21End of Topic Test - Cognition 3
12

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

12.1

Schizophrenia: Diagnosis (A2 only)

12.1.1Symptoms of Schizophrenia12.1.2Issues in Diagnosis12.1.3Pinto (2017) & Copeland (1971)12.1.4End of Topic Test - Schizophrenia
12.2

Schizophrenia: Treatment (A2 only)

12.2.1Family-Based Psychological Explanations12.2.2Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations12.2.3Cognitive Explanations12.2.4Drug Therapies12.2.5Evaluation of Drug Therapies12.2.6Biological Explanations for Schizophrenia12.2.7Dopamine Hypothesis12.2.8Psychological Therapies 112.2.9Psychological Therapies 212.2.10Interactionist Approach - Diathesis-Stress Model12.2.11Interactionist Approach - Triggers & Treatment12.2.12Evaluation of the Interactionist Approach12.2.13Evaluation of Psychological Therapies12.2.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - CBT & CBTp12.2.15End of Topic Test - Treatments 112.2.16End of Topic Test - Treatments 2
13

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

13.1

Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

13.1.1Explanations for Food Preferences13.1.2Birch et al (1987) & Lowe et al (2004)13.1.3Control of Eating Behaviours13.1.4Control of Eating Behaviour: Leptin13.1.5Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa13.1.6Psychological Explanations: Family Systems Theory13.1.7Psychological Explanations: Social Learning Theory13.1.8Psychological Explanations: Cognitive Theory13.1.9Biological Explanations for Obesity13.1.10Biological Explanations: Studies13.1.11Psychological Explanations13.1.12Psychological Explanations: Studies13.1.13End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour
14

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

14.1

Stress (A2 only)

14.1.1Physiology of Stress14.1.2Role of Stress in Illness14.1.3Role of Stress in Illness: Studies14.1.4Social Readjustment Rating Scales14.1.5Hassles & Uplifts Scales14.1.6Stress, Workload & Control14.1.7Stress Level Studies14.1.8Physiological Measures of Stress14.1.9Individual Differences14.1.10Stress & Gender14.1.11Drug Therapy & Biofeedback for Stress14.1.12Stress Inoculation Therapy14.1.13Social Support & Stress14.1.14End of Topic Test - Stress 114.1.15End of Topic Test - Stress 2
15

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

15.1

Aggression: Physiological (A2 only)

15.1.1Neural Mechanisms15.1.2Serotonin15.1.3Hormonal Mechanisms15.1.4Genetic Factors15.1.5Genetic Factors 215.1.6Ethological Explanation15.1.7Innate Releasing Mechanisms & Fixed Action Pattern15.1.8Evolutionary Explanations15.1.9Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy15.1.10Evaluation of Evolutionary Explanations15.1.11End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 115.1.12End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 2
15.2

Aggression: Social Psychological (A2 only)

15.2.1Social Psychological Explanation15.2.2Buss (1963) - Frustration/Aggression15.2.3Social Psychological Explanation 215.2.4Social Learning Theory (SLT) 115.2.5Social Learning Theory (SLT) 215.2.6Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)15.2.7Deindividuation15.2.8Deindividuation 215.2.9Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)15.2.10End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology15.2.11Institutional Aggression: Prisons15.2.12Evaluation of Dispositional & Situational15.2.13Influence of Computer Games15.2.14Influence of Television15.2.15Evaluation of Studies on Media15.2.16Desensitisation & Disinhibition15.2.17Cognitive Priming15.2.18End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology
16

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

16.1

Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

16.1.1Defining Crime16.1.2Measuring Crime16.1.3Offender Profiling16.1.4Evaluation of Offender Profiling16.1.5John Duffy Case Study16.1.6Biological Explanations 116.1.7Biological Explanations 216.1.8Evaluation- Biological Explanations16.1.9Cognitive Explanations16.1.10Moral Reasoning16.1.11Differential Association Theory16.1.12Custodial Sentencing16.1.13Effects of Prison16.1.14Evaluation of the Effects of Prison16.1.15Behavioural Treatments & Therapies16.1.16Effectiveness of Behavioural Treatments16.1.17Restorative Justice16.1.18End of Topic Test - Forensic 116.1.19End of Topic Test - Forensic 2
17

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

17.1

Addiction (A2 only)

17.1.1Definition17.1.2Brain Neurochemistry Explanation17.1.3Learning Theory Explanation17.1.4Evaluation of a Learning Theory17.1.5Cognitive Bias17.1.6Griffiths on Cognitive Bias17.1.7Evaluation of Cognitive Theory (A2 only)17.1.8Gambling Addiction & Learning Theory17.1.9Social Influences on Addiction 117.1.10Social Influences on Addiction 217.1.11Personal Influences on Addiction17.1.12Genetic Explanations of Addiction17.1.13End of Topic Test - Addiction 117.1.14End of Topic Test - Addiction 2
17.2

Treating Addiction (A2 only)

17.2.1Drug Therapy17.2.2Behavioural Interventions17.2.3Cognitive Behavioural Therapy17.2.4Six Stage Model of Behaviour Change17.2.5End of Topic Test - Treating

Practice questions on Cognitive Explanations

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  1. 1
    What can malfunction of central control explain?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Stirling et al. (2006) compared: True / false
  3. 3
    Who compared 30 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia with 18 non-patient controls on a range of cognitive tasks, like the Stroop test?Multiple choice
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Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations

Drug Therapies