All the Details Related To Information Processing Theory
We see thousands of things in the world every day. Some things stick to our minds, and a few things we forget like nothing happened. The reason behind this is Information Processing Theory. It is a type of theory that helps humans learn and process information. Similar to computers, the human brain works. It sees, thinks, stores, and uses information.
Furthermore, it is called an input-output process. This process helps in many ways, such as in education, psychology, and computer science. The theory can affect a person’s behaviour. It is also known as the study of cognitive development. So, let’s see how the term originated.
What is Information Processing Theory?
Information Processing Theory studies mental processes like watching, storing, and using knowledge. The information travels from one part of the brain to another. George Armitage Miller developed the theory in 1950. In this processing theory, we learn how to convert a piece of information to memory.
The information process is directed to the brain rather than directly reaching the stimuli. Simply put, we capture and transfer information to the brain when we see it. The information acts like an input; it reaches the brain and is saved somewhere. It retrieves the when the input is needed.
According to Miller, the brain works exactly like computers. Short-term memory acts like a processor, and long-term memory is like a hard drive. The difference between short-term and long-term memory is that short-term memory saves information, such as when I am writing a blog, and you are reading. Long-term memory saves things that have ever happened in your life.
Stages of Information Processing Theory
The theory includes four main types of stages. They are responsible for the things that happen to you, from watching to analysing. Let’s see the stages:
1. Encoding
Encoding is the process of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory. In other words, it converts information, such as sound and images, to the brain cells that our brains can understand.
2. Storage
Storage is when information is temporarily stored in short-term memory, then transferred to long-term memory for permanent storage, and finally, a permanent record is created. At the things stage, the information goes through sensory, short term and long-term memory.
3. Retrieval
Retrieval is a stage focused on recalling information from long-term memory for the current task. So, from long-term memory, the brain focuses on finding the one piece of information necessary for the task.
4. Transformation
During transformation, it modifies and converts data into different formats. Modification helps organise and use information when solving problems and reasoning. The transformation includes data conversion, processing, analysis, and implementation.
Information Processing Theory Models
Many scientists have developed several models of the theory of information processing. They have compared information processing to computers and referred to it as human-computer theory.
1. Atkinson and Shiffrin Model
In 1968, John William Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin developed a “multi-store model” showing three human memory stages.
Sensory Memory
Sensory memory holds information related to the things we see, smell, feel, or hear in our brains. It is difficult for the human brain to remember everything, so we usually forget things. However, some of the important things are saved in our short-term memory. So, through this process, we can remember things in our minds.
Short-Term Memory
Another name for Short-term memory is working memory. It stores things for a short period, mostly 30 seconds. After that, it can not handle upcoming information. The process of encoding converts complex information into long-term memory.
Long term memory
Long-term memory is responsible for the memories we still have about our lives. It has unlimited space and can hold thousands of memories. The saved memories can be retrieved at any time. Some methods that help in storing memory are repetition and connecting information.
2. Baddeley and Hitch Model
In 1974, Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch proposed a model of working memory. They worked on the human mind and how it stores information. The model includes four elements: central executive, Phonological loop, Visuospatial, and Episodic buffer.
Central Executive
The central executive regulates information between memories. It controls and uses encoding and retrieving information. The model acts as the brain’s control manager. The central executive is a part of the brain responsible for thinking, imaging, and understanding.
Phonological loop
The phonological loop is responsible for holding hearing information. It works along with the central executive. It has a phonological store, which stores the information for a short duration. The articulatory rehearsal process repeats the heard information so that the memory can remember the things for a long time.
Visuospatial
The visuospatial sketch pad is responsible for remembering the information we see. Furthermore, it creates and saves the information in the form of images. It is a connection between the eyes and memory so that the brain knows things it sees.
Episodic buffer
Episodic buffer is one of the most important stages connecting all information types. It is important in connecting short-term memory, perception, and long-term memory. It is new, and that is why scientists are working on it.
Final Line
Information Processing Theory is important in psychology. It transfers information from one memory to another using the processes of encoding, storage, retrieving, and transformation. The process includes two main types of memory: short-term and long-term.
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