SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Psychology

SEG-AWARDS

vocational

This element explores the fundamental cognitive processes of memory and thinking, alongside the principles of language structure and acquisition. It critically examines how these mental functions are studied and modelled, culminating in an analysis of artificial intelligence as both a methodological tool and a theoretical framework in cognitive psychology. Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of how these systems interact to underpin human cognition and inform practical applications in areas such as education, mental health, and technology design.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for accurate description of multi-store model, including sensory, short-term and long-term memory, with reference to capacity and duration.
Award credit for clear distinction between convergent and divergent thinking, with applied examples.
Award credit for explicating the critical period hypothesis and its evidence, such as Genie case study.
Award credit for evaluating the use of neural network models to simulate cognitive processes, including strengths and limitations.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for accurate description of multi-store model, including sensory, short-term and long-term memory, with reference to capacity and duration.
Award credit for clear distinction between convergent and divergent thinking, with applied examples.
Award credit for explicating the critical period hypothesis and its evidence, such as Genie case study.
Award credit for evaluating the use of neural network models to simulate cognitive processes, including strengths and limitations.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When discussing memory, always link theoretical models to real-life scenarios, such as eyewitness testimony or study strategies, to demonstrate application.
💡For thinking systems, use diagrams to illustrate problem-solving strategies like algorithms vs. heuristics, as visual representations can clarify complex processes.
💡In language questions, structure answers to first define key components (phonology, syntax, semantics) before evaluating theories, ensuring a systematic approach.
💡When addressing AI, critically compare computational models with human cognition, highlighting both the insights gained and the inherent limitations to show depth of analysis.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the different types of long-term memory (episodic, semantic, procedural) misapplying them to examples.
Assuming thinking is solely a conscious process, neglecting automatic and heuristic-based reasoning.
Misunderstanding Chomsky's concept of Universal Grammar as a specific language rather than an innate cognitive faculty.
Overstating AI's current ability to fully replicate human cognition, ignoring the frame problem and symbol grounding.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Understand the processes of Memory2. Understand the systems of Thinking3. Understand the principles of Language4. Understand the role of artificial intelligence in cognitive psychology

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Psychology

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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