differences. The dual coding theory has two subsets, the verbal and the imaginal.
The neural network theory has numerous amounts of nodes grouped into many
different sets. These sets form webs. There are numerous webs layered one on top
of the other and each is able to access one another. With the infinite number of
webs being able to access one another the network theory has the potential to
become more complicated than the dual coding theory.
Both theories make valid points as to how individuals process and retain
knowledge. While the two theories may differ on the internal representations of
the storage of knowledge, both have similar foundational beliefs: knowledge is
taken in, it is stored, there are connections between the stored groups of
knowledge and there is a retrieval process.
How the theories apply to psychology
Why is it important for a psychologist to know and understand the
theories of knowledge? It is important because the field of psychology studies
the processes of humans (how they act, react, develop, make decisions, cope,
ect.). If a psychologist has a basic understanding of the knowledge theories,
then they will have a better understanding of the thought processes of a client.
Therapies such as relaxation therapy, rational emotive therapy, art
therapy and choice therapy must be able to appeal to the individuals knowledge
constructs. Clients in cognitive therapy tend to posses irrational thoughts. In
order to bring about change in the clients thought processes the therapists must
assist the client to analyze their faulty logic. Through challenging what the
client believes to be true the client is then able to analyze and reconstruct
the knowledge that is stored in the verbal and imaginal compartments of the dual
coding theory as well as the nodal compartments of the network theory.
In observing art therapy it is evident that the understanding of the
knowledge theory would prove useful. Art therapy can be represented in three
ways: it is experienced internally, it is expressed verbally, or constructed and
represented through the media ( Lusebrink, 1990).
Lusebrink (1990) states that “Internal experiences of images and there
external representations influence each other. . .The internal image is based on
sensory, affective, and thought processes. The image is externalized either
through verbal descriptions or through the manipulation of media” (p. 6)
In the above statement we can see a definite connection between art therapy
and the knowledge theories. Through art therapy an individual must be able to
view an image, internalize that image and be able to make the connection to
express how that image expressed their feelings. This is much the same as the
knowledge theories.
The theories of knowledge are tied directly to psychological therapies.
The knowledge theories explain how a therapy technique is able to connect with a
client’s internal construct and assist in expressing or altering cognition.
While absolute understanding of the knowledge theory may not be essential to an
effective outcome of a therapy, it would assist in the understanding of how the
therapy is able to work.
The theories of knowledge tend to be quite complex. In the terms of a
psychological context it is important to understand the knowledge theories. The
history, the construct, and their similarities all allow the psychologist to
better understand how an individual internalizes the world around them. The
basic understanding of the knowledge theories allows the psychologist to
comprehend how therapeutic techniques effect the clients’ internal constructs
and also how all knowledge, both past and present, plays a role in making those
connection necessary.
References
Arbib, M. (1995). The hand book of brain theories and neural networks.
Cambridge, MA: MIT press.
Lusebrink, V. (1990). Imagery and visual expression in therapy. New
York: Plenum press.
Martindale, C. (1991). Cognitive psychology a neural-network approach.
Belmont,CA: Brooks/Cole.
McClelland, J., & Rumelhart, D. (1988). Explorations in parallel
distributed processing. Cambridge, MA: MIT press.
Paivio, A. (1986). Mental representations a dual coding approach. New
York: Oxford University Press.