Question

8): Introduction how does the cognitive approach differ from the strict behavioral approaches?

Answer 1

The cognitive approach and behavioral approaches represent two distinct paradigms in psychology, each with its own focus and methodology.

**Behavioral Approaches:**
Behaviorism, primarily associated with figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson, emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and the ways they can be shaped through interactions with the environment. This perspective relies heavily on the principles of conditioning, where behaviors are learned or unlearned through reinforcement and punishment. Behavioral approaches tend to minimize the role of internal thoughts and feelings, arguing that these mental processes are difficult to measure and therefore should not be the primary focus of psychological study.

**Cognitive Approach:**
In contrast, the cognitive approach, influenced by psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Aaron Beck, centers on understanding internal mental processes—how people perceive, think, remember, and learn. Cognitive psychology posits that our thoughts significantly influence our behaviors and emotions. This approach brings into consideration subjective experiences and mental states, asserting that understanding cognitive functions is crucial for addressing psychological issues. Cognitive theorists employ rigorous methods to study these mental processes, often using experiments and self-report measures.

**Key Differences:**
1. **Focus on Mental Processes:** The cognitive approach prioritizes understanding internal thought processes, whereas behavioral approaches focus on observable behavior.
2. **Role of Subjectivity:** Cognitive psychology acknowledges the subjective experience of individuals, while behaviorism largely disregards these internal experiences, labeling them as unscientific.
3. **Research Methods:** Cognitive approaches typically utilize methodologies that assess mental processes (e.g., experiments on memory, perception), while behavioral approaches heavily rely on conditioning and observational studies.

In summary, the cognitive approach represents a broader perspective of human psychology that incorporates mental processes and recognizes their significance in influencing behavior, contrasting with the more limited scope of strict behavioral approaches that emphasize external behaviors and environmental interactions.