Cog+SAQ1+(Determinism)

__1.__ __Explain how one theory from the cognitive perspective relates to either determinism or free will__. [8 marks] One theory from the cognitive perspective that relates to determinism is false memory. It would include the manner in which language is used to alter ones thoughts or perceptions on certain areas. As determinism refers to the fact that every state of affairs is an inevitable consquence of previously occured events (cause and effect) therefore the way language is used could alter one's perspective on the situation and can therefore distort or change their perception. [Specify the theory here first, before illustrating with the study] A study by Loftus & Palmer (1974) showed how easily memory can become skewed when people are given misleading information. First the subjects had observed a complex event, such as a simulated automobile accident. The subjects were then given a sheet of paper asking a question on what they thought of the video. However, half the participants were given a question that contained the word "smashed" and the other half had the word "hit". [Results?] This then links this to determinism, as the participants had received words that would trigger their response and make it different whilst it was the same video that they saw.

Finally, all subjects try to remember the original accident. Some of the words used had different connotations resulting in the alteration of memory. Some of the words used to mislead participants included 'smashed' and 'hit', and as a result those with the word 'smashed' tended to recall the incident with a more severe impact, whereas those with the word 'hit' tended to have a less severe impact on memory of the incident. So this study shows that memory is deteremined by language.

A relevant example that shows an understanding of determinism in this perspective. However, the answer could be embellished with a little more clarity about the theory itself and //how// it is deterministic.

__Second Answer:__ One theory from the cognitive perspective that relates to determinism would be the one of Craik & Lockhart's Levels of Processing model of memory. Determinism is the philosophical proposition that every event, including human cognition and behavior, decision and action, is carefully decided by an unchangeable chain of prior occurrences. According to the Levels of Processing framework introduced by F. Craik & R. Lockhart (1972), information is being processed in many different levels according to the individual's characteristics. Apart from that the theory also supports the fact that one would most likely to remember things that are more meaningful to them than those that are meaningless [needs further clarification]. According to both theorists is that even though information was being rehearsed many times was too one-dimensional and that it doesn’t mean that all of the information would be a 100% remembered in the LTM.

This has begun to answer the question, providing a relevant theory. However, the links to determinism are yet to be made clear.

__Third Answer:__

To begin with, having the schema determines how a person can falsely remember things. In the 1930s Bartlett tested memory for schemas. One of his famous studies is called 'War of the ghosts' which comprimised a sequence of events which were ostensibly logical but subtly illogical, and there were several discreet non-sequiturs. An example of his experiment is where he asked people to recalll things. For instance, he recited the story he told to subjects and after a long while he would ask them to recall the content of the story as much as they can.

This has begun to answer the question, providing a relevant theory. However, this is under-developed and the links to determinism are yet to be made clear.