Question 1: Define the term 'cognitive approach' in psychology and explain its main focus.

Answer: The cognitive approach studies mental processes such as memory, perception, thinking, and problem-solving, emphasizing how people understand, interpret, and respond to the world around them.

Question 2: Describe how an information processing model explains human thinking.

Answer: The information processing model compares the human mind to a computer, suggesting that information is received through senses, processed in stages (like encoding, storage, and retrieval), and then leads to a response or behavior.

Question 3: Identify and briefly describe two cognitive processes that are essential to problem-solving.

Answer: Memory, which involves storing and retrieving relevant information, and reasoning, which involves evaluating options and making decisions.

Question 4: Explain how the use of schemas influences our perception of new information.

Answer: Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organize knowledge; they influence perception by guiding attention and interpretation of new information to fit existing expectations.

Question 5: Describe a scenario where someone might use a heuristic to solve a problem quickly.

Answer: A person might choose a restaurant based on a quick decision to go to the one they have visited before, rather than researching all options, using a mental shortcut or heuristic called 'familiarity.'

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of the information processing model, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Label each part.

Answer: A flow diagram with three boxes arranged horizontally or vertically: Sensory Memory → Short-term Memory → Long-term Memory, with arrows indicating the flow of information. Sensory Memory is the initial stage, Short-term Memory is where conscious processing occurs, and Long-term Memory stores information for future retrieval.

Question 7: Explain the difference between 'automatic processing' and 'effortful processing' in cognitive psychology.

Answer: Automatic processing requires little conscious effort and happens quickly, such as recognizing familiar faces, while effortful processing requires deliberate attention, such as learning new material or solving complex problems.

Question 8: What is meant by 'cognitive biases,' and give an example of one that might affect decision-making.

Answer: Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect judgments and decisions. An example is the 'confirmation bias,' where people tend to seek information that supports their existing beliefs.

Question 9: Draw a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in problem-solving according to the cognitive approach.

Answer: A step-by-step flowchart including: Problem Identification → Search for Solutions → Evaluation of Options → Decision Making → Implementation of Solution → Review/Reflection. The flow should show logical progression, with feedback loops where appropriate.