Week 4: 4.2 - 4.5

4.2 Information-Processing Theories External Tool, 4.3 Core-Knowledge Theories External Tool, 4.4 Sociocultural Theories External Tool, 4.5 Dynamic-Systems Theories

Information-processing theories

Theories that focus on the structure of the cognitive system and the mental activities used to deploy attention and memory to solve the problems

Task Analysis

Identifying the goals, obstacles, solution strategies involved in problem-solving

Computer Simulation

Mathematical model that expresses ideas about mental processes in precise ways

Problem-solving

Georgie (a 2-year-old) wants to throw rocks out the kitchen window…. Dad says that Georgie can’t throw rocks out the window, because he’ll break the lawnmower…. Georgie … goes outside, brings in some green peaches that he had been playing with, and says: “They won’t break the lawnmower.” This is an example of what?

Working memory

Actively attending to, maintaining, and processing information

Long-term memory

information attained on an enduring basis

The three executive functions

Inhibition, enhancement of working memory, & cognitive flexibility

Inhibition

Self-control and suppressing impulse

Enhancement of working memory

Strategies used to stay focused, better manage information, and adapt to challenges (ie chunking information, repeating directions, and rehearsing new concepts)

Cognitive flexibility

The ability to adjust one's thoughts, strategies, and behaviors in response to changing circumstances (Shifting attention between different tasks or perspectives, Updating beliefs or plans based on new information, Adapting to unexpected situations, Switching between different rules or procedures)

Basic processes

Associating events, recognizing objects, recalling facts/procedures, generalizing.

Encoding

Representing in memory info that draws attention or is important