1. Use of Models to explain behaviour
The Computer Analogy

2. The Computer Analogy

3. The Influence of Computers
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

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

5. How is this possible?
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.

6. 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.

7. What are the comparisons

8. Other Models
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).

9. Define STM and LTM

10. 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.