Information Processing

What are the 3 major aspects of information processing?

• encoding

• storage

• retrieval

Encoding

• process by which info is recorded for memory

  • encode consciously or subconsciously

• just bc something is encoded, doesn’t mean we will use it

Storage

• placement of material into memory

retrieval

• process by which the stored material is located, brought into awareness, & used

automatization

• degree to which activity requires our attention

function of automatization

• require little to no attention (walk + eat)

• allows us to focus on other problems

• helps children develop concepts

Concepts

• categorizations of objects, events, & people that share common properties

Metacognition

• knowledge people have about their thinking processes & ability to monitor cognition

  • allows adolescents to accurately assess their cognitive abilities

Memory

process by which information is initially recorded, stored, retrieved

• all three processes must function properly to remember information

3 System Approach

• describes how memory is processed in order to be recalled

  • sensory memory

  • short term memory

  • long term memory

Autobiographical (Preschool memories)

• memory of particular events from one’s own life

  • not accurate until 3

  • susceptible to suggestion

Scripts

broad representations in memory of events & order to which they occur

Metamemory (School Years)

an understanding about the processes that underlie memory

• emerges & improves during mid childhood

Control Strategies

conscious, intentionally used tactics to improve cognitive functioning

• ex) rehearsal or repetition

Explicit Memory

memory that can be recalled intentionally

• ex) your phone number, birthday

• hippocampus

Implicit Memory

memory that can be recalled unconsciously

• motor skills, habits, activities

  • ex) riding a bike, typing

• cerebellum + brainstem

Attention

information processing involving the ability to strategically choose among & sort out different stimuli in an environment

• first step in information processing

Control of Attention

ability to tune into certain stimuli, while tuning others out

• the older we get, the better our skills