Cognitive Approach

Cognitive models

Section A Model Answer

Question

Describe Cognitive Models with reference to one example of human behavior. [4]

Model Answer

Cognitive models are theoretical frameworks used to represent abstract mental processes, making them operationalizable and testable. The Multi-Store Model (MSM) describes memory as a linear architecture consisting of three stores: sensory memory (which filters stimuli), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). It emphasizes that maintenance rehearsal is required to prevent the decay or displacement of information in the limited-capacity STM and ensure its encoding into the permanent LTM. The value of this model is seen in explaining the serial position effect. Research shows that people are better at remembering the first few items (primacy effect) and last few items (recency effect) on a list. The primacy effect occurs because the first items are rehearsed and moved to LTM, while the recency effect occurs because the last items are still in the STM. This demonstrates how the MSM explains memory performance through the distinct capacities and functions of different memory stores.

Analysis Framework — Learn from Model Answers

Section B Model Answer

Scenario

The Master Scenario: "The Workspace Study" A university department designs a new "collaborative innovation hub" to improve student performance. The room features open seating, bright lighting, and digital whiteboards. Researchers observe that when students work in this specific environment, their problem-solving speed increases by 20%. However, they also notice that students from different cultural backgrounds use the space differently, and those who feel "out of place" in the high-tech setting often perform worse than they did in traditional libraries.

Question

Explain the students' performance increase using one cognitive model (e.g., Working Memory Model). [6]

Model Answer

Cognitive models are theoretical frameworks that represent mental processes as information-processing systems. The Working Memory Model (WMM) conceptualizes short-term memory as having components like the central executive, visuospatial sketchpad, phonological loop, and the episodic buffer (which integrates multi-modal info). Digital whiteboards in the hub engage the visuospatial sketchpad, while verbal instructions engage the phonological loop. This demonstrates the value of the WMM because it explains why the hub's multi-modal design improves performance — it distributes cognitive load across separate working memory components rather than overloading a single store.

Analysis Framework — Learn from Model Answers

Exam Technique Guides

Overview

Section A vs Section B: Key Differences

Read guide →

Section A

How to Write the Perfect Section A Response (4 marks)

Read guide →

Section B

How to Write the Perfect Section B Response (6 marks)

Read guide →

Try It Yourself!

Now write your own answer — get AI feedback in seconds

Use the AI Marking tool to practise the same question and receive instant, mark-scheme-aligned feedback.

Start AI Practice →