Mental processes are studied indirectly.

P: Has had useful applications.

E: For example, cognitive behavioural therapy has shown to be effective for a range of mental disorders, e.g. depression and anxiety.

E: Therefore it has been highly beneficial within today's society.

P: Uses scientific methods, mainly lab experiments.

E: They are controlled and replicable.

E: Therefore, the results are reliable.

P: Schemas help to simplify the world around us

E: they are useful as they allow us to take shortcuts

E: This helps with interpreting the vast amount of information that is available in our environment.

P: Uses mainly lab experiments; they are artificial.

E: So it might not reflect how people process information in their everyday life.

E: Therefore, it lacks ecological validity.

P: Ignore the differences between computers and humans.

E: Humans can forget information and make mistakes.

E: Therefore, it can be seen as machine reductionist.

P: Schemas can distort and exclude information.

E: Causing us to overlook important information and only focus on things that confirm our pre-existing beliefs.

E: Therefore, schemas contribute to stereotypes.