Information Processing Theory Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Information Processing Theory?

Information Processing Theory is a cognitive approach to studying the way that humans process information. It is based on the idea that people use mental processes to analyze and interpret information, store it in memory, and make decisions based on this stored information. This theory has been used in many areas of psychology, such as educational psychology, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and neuroscience.The first step of Information Processing Theory is encoding or inputting the data. Encoding involves taking the sensory input from our environment and converting it into something meaningful for us. This can be done through language processing or visual processing depending on what type of stimulus is presented. Once encoded we can then move onto storing this data in our short-term memory where it can be used to draw conclusions or form plans for future action. The next step is manipulation which involves using our knowledge and skills to manipulate the data we have stored in our short-term memory so that we can draw conclusions or make decisions quickly without having to re-enter all the original data every time a new decision needs to be made. After manipulation comes retrieval where we recall information from previously stored memories or access them from sources outside of ourselves such as books or computers. Finally comes response selection which involves selecting an appropriate response according to previous experience or current context depending on what type of situation we are faced with at that moment in time. This response might involve verbal communication with others around us or physical action taken by ourselves alone; either way Information Processing Theory suggests that these responses will be selected after careful consideration using all available resources at hand including past experiences, current context and any other external factors present at that moment in time.