Question 1

What is the difference between the multi-store model and the working memory model?

Accepted Answer

The multi-store model (MSM) describes memory as a linear flow through three separate stores: sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). It emphasises rehearsal as the key process for transferring information. In contrast, the working memory model (WMM) focuses only on STM, proposing it is an active, multi-component system (central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer) rather than a single store. The WMM better explains dual-task performance and the phonological similarity effect, which the MSM cannot.

Question 2

How does the cognitive interview improve eyewitness testimony?

Accepted Answer

The cognitive interview uses four techniques to enhance recall: (1) context reinstatement—mentally recreating the environment and emotions of the event; (2) reporting everything—including seemingly trivial details; (3) changing perspective—describing the event from another person's viewpoint; and (4) reverse order—recalling the event backwards. These techniques reduce the influence of schemas and post-event information, leading to more accurate and detailed memories. Research shows it increases correct details by up to 30% without increasing errors.

Question 3

Why do we forget information according to cognitive psychology?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive psychology identifies several explanations for forgetting. Decay theory suggests that memories fade over time if not used, especially in short-term memory. Displacement occurs when new information pushes out old information from limited-capacity short-term memory. Interference theory proposes that similar memories compete, causing proactive (old interferes with new) or retroactive (new interferes with old) forgetting. Retrieval failure happens when we lack appropriate cues to access a memory, as in the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon. These explanations are not mutually exclusive.

Question 4

What is a schema and how does it affect memory?

Accepted Answer

A schema is a mental framework that organises and interprets information based on past experiences. Schemas affect memory by guiding what we attend to, encode, and retrieve. They can lead to distortions, such as rationalisation (changing details to fit expectations) and confabulation (filling gaps with false information). For example, in Bartlett's 'War of the Ghosts' study, participants recalled a Native American story in a way that matched their own cultural schemas, omitting supernatural elements and adding familiar ones. Schemas are adaptive but can reduce accuracy.

Question 5

How is the cognitive approach different from the behaviourist approach?

Accepted Answer

The cognitive approach focuses on internal mental processes like memory, perception, and problem-solving, using models and computer analogies. It accepts the existence of unobservable mental states and uses inference to study them. In contrast, the behaviourist approach rejects mental states as unscientific, focusing only on observable behaviour and environmental stimuli. Behaviourists like Skinner explain learning through conditioning (classical and operant), while cognitive psychologists study how information is processed. Both approaches have contributed to psychology, but cognitive psychology is more concerned with the 'black box' of the mind.

Question 6

What are the ethical issues in memory research?

Accepted Answer

Memory research often involves deception, as participants may not be told the true purpose (e.g., in Loftus and Palmer's study on leading questions). This raises concerns about informed consent. Additionally, studies can cause psychological harm, such as distress from recalling traumatic events or embarrassment from memory failures. Researchers must debrief participants fully, allow them to withdraw data, and ensure confidentiality. There is also a risk of creating false memories, which has serious implications for eyewitness testimony and therapy. Ethical guidelines require minimising harm and obtaining retrospective consent where possible.

Topic 2: Cognitive psychology

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Psychology

E2E stub topic

Topic 1: Social psychology

Topic 3: Biological psychology

Topic 4: Learning theories

How to Revise Topic 2: Cognitive psychology — Edexcel A-Level Psychology

Examiner Tips for Topic 2: Cognitive psychology

Common Mistakes in Topic 2: Cognitive psychology

Key Marking Points