Research Methods &
Paradigms for
Memory & Cognition
Chapter 1
Contributions to the Development of
Cognitive Psychology
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Linguistics
Human Factors Engineering & Military
Research
Neuroscience
Computer Science
Contributions to the Development of
Cognitive Psychology
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Linguistics
Nature of representation,
acquisition, & use of
language
Chomsky’
Chomsky’s work on
transformational
grammar
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Contributions to the Development of
Cognitive Psychology
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Human Factors
Limitations imposed by
human cognition on use
of mechanical devices
Applied Research for
Military
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Theory of Signal
Detection
Communication (formal
definition of information)
Cognitive Neuroscience
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Brain lesions
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Brain Imaging
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H.M.
Aphasias & Amnesias
PET scan
MRI
Functional Imaging
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fMRI
EventEvent-Related Potentials
SingleSingle-unit recording
Contributions to the Development of
Cognitive Psychology
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Computer Science
Computer metaphor –
Information Processing
Artificial Intelligence
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Research Methods
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Naturalistic Observation
Introspection
Controlled Observation
Clinical Interviews
Experiments
QuasiQuasi-Experiments
Studies of Neural Correlates of Cognition
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Case studies of brain damage
Imaging studies
Studies of brain function
SingleSingle-unit recordings
EEG and EventEvent-Related Potentials
„ PET and fMRI
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Lesion Studies
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Brain Imaging
CAT
Scan
Photography
PET
MRI
Measures of Brain Function
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Single Unit Recording
EventEvent-Related Potentials
(Evoked Potentials)
Functional MRI (f
(f MRI)
Research Paradigms
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Thomas Kuhn (Philosophy of Science)
Assumptions made by researchers
Identification of issues and questions that are
important to address
Analogies and models used for explanations
Research methods
Preferred measures for variables
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Information Processing
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Humans are information processing systems
Assumes that processing occurs in discrete steps
Research question: Identify the structures and
processes for cognitive functions
Level of explanation: Cognitive functions
Analogy: Computer metaphor
Empirical research methodology retained from
behaviorism
Connectionist Paradigm
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Processing and representations of information
are distributed across large networks of neurons
Processing occurs in parallel
Discover the mechanisms by which large
populations of neurons represent and
manipulate information
Level of explanation: neural activity
Same research methods as the information
processing approach
Other Modifications
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Evolutionary Approach
Importance of understanding the role of evolution in
the shaping of cognitive functions
„ James’
James’ Functionalism
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Ecological Approach
Importance of the role of context and culture on
cognitive behavior
„ Emphasis on applied problems in cognition
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