Whatsapp Task Ii - Information Processing Model.docx

Submitted by: Rabia Abid Roll no: ENG-16032 Submitted to: Dr. Sabboor Course Title: Psycholinguistics Course Code: ENG-361 Submission Date: March 4th, 2019 BS (Hons.) English 6th Semester Session 2016-20 Government College Women University Sialkot

INFORMATION PROCESSING MODEL Information processing theory discusses the mechanisms through which learning occurs. It focuses specifically on aspects of memory encoding and retrieval. The Information Processing Model provides us with a theory on how humans process information. The basic idea of Information processing theory is that human mind is like a computer or an information processor (opposite of behaviorist notions that people merely response to a stimuli) that receives input, processes, and delivers output. Information gathered from the senses (input), is stored and processed by the brain, and finally brings about a behavioral response (output). The model of information processing theory includes three components:

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Sensory Memory

As the name suggests, Sensory Memory deals with any information that can be perceived through the five senses. It provides the initial screening and processing of incoming stimuli, gathered via the senses through a process called transduction. Through temporary receptor cell activity, it is altered into a form of information that the brain could process. The sensory memory for visual stimuli is known as the iconic memory and for aural stimuli it is known as the echoic memory These memories, usually unconscious, last for a very short amount of time, ranging up to 0.5 seconds in case of iconic memory and up to 3 to 4 seconds for echoic memory it. Our senses are constantly exposed with large amounts of information. Our sensory memory acts as a filter, by focusing on what is important, and forgetting what is unnecessary. Sensory information catches our attention, and thus progresses into working memory, only if it is seen as relevant, or is familiar. 

Working Memory/Short Term Memory

There are wo counterparts of this system; the auditory loop, where auditory information is processed, and the visual-spatial sketchpad, where visual information is processed. Sensory memories transferred into working memory will last for 15-20 seconds, with a capacity between 5 to 9 pieces or chunks of information. Information is maintained in working memory through maintenance or elaborative rehearsal. Maintenance refers to repetition, while elaboration refers to the organization of information (such as chunking or chronology). And the executive controls system oversees all working memory activity, including selection of information, method of processing, meaning, and finally deciding whether to transfer it to long term memory or forget it. The processing that occurs in working memory is affected by a number of factors. Firstly, individuals have varying levels of cognitive load, or the amount of mental effort they can engage in at a given moment, due to individual characteristics and intellectual capacities. Secondly, information that has been repeated many times becomes automatic and thus does not require much cognitive resources

(e.g. riding a bike). Lastly, according to the task at hand, individuals use selective processing to focus attention on information that is highly relevant and necessary. 

Long Term Memory

Long term memory is divided into two further main types; declarative (or explicit) memory and procedural (or implicit) memory. Declarative memory is memory of facts and events and refers to those memories that can be consciously recalled (or "declared"). It is sometimes called explicit memory, since it consists of information that is explicitly stored and retrieved. Declarative memory can be further sub-divided into episodic memory (long-term memories of specific events, such as what you did yesterday or your high school graduation) and semantic memory (memories of facts, concepts, names, and other general knowledge). Procedural memory (“knowing how”) is the unconscious memory of skills and how to do things, particularly the use of objects or movements of the body, typically acquired through repetition and practice, and are composed of automatic sensorimotor behaviors that are so deeply embedded that we are no longer aware of them. Procedural memory is sometimes referred to as implicit memory, because previous experiences aid in the performance of a task without explicit and conscious awareness of these previous experiences. Long term memory has unlimited space. The crucial factor of long term memory is how well organized the information is. This is affected by proper encoding and retrieval processes.

REFERENCES >https://www.learning-theories.com/information-processing-theory.html >Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological review, 63(2), 81. >Atkinson, R. C., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. Psychology of learning and motivation, 2, 89-195. >https://dataworks-ed.com/blog/2014/07/the-information-processing-model/