Cognitive psychology examines the way the mind processes information; this is studied to determine behaviour. Most psychologists are interested in finding general laws for behaviour and then using them to predict behaviour and learn about people.

Cognitive psychology contributes to science by using models which are tested in a systematic way. The experimental testing of hypotheses is another contribution.

The information processing approach is the dominant approach in cognitive psychology. It follows the basic assumption that an external stimulus or input following a mediating process causes a response or output. This is our thought and behaviour due to our senses. There are models devised to help explain this.

A linear model shows a single flow of directional information. It can be bottom-up processing which refers to us accepting information directly via our input senses. Top-down processing illustrates how

The computer analogy has helped the study of behaviour as the brain is similar to that of a computer. Our senses are similar to that of the input due to software or the keyboard. The mediating processes in humans take place in the central nervous system, including the mind, and through running programs in computers. To show a response we have behaviour and actions, while computers give readouts via printouts or on the monitor. The difference between computers and us is that the computer does not have an affect on what is input. Nor does the computer have 'real' understanding; the computer can manipulate and interpret symbols through rules and neural networks but they do not understand their meaning and significance. This is why looking at our minds we can help towards developing artificial intelligence.

The cyclic model was developed by Neisser in 1976. His 'analysis by synthesis' model better represents how the information that enters our brain via our senses is affected by our minds; due to

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 675
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)