Information Processing

What are the primary aspects of the information-processing model?

• Encoding (getting information in)

• Storage (keeping information over time)

• Retrieval (getting information out when needed)

 What are the three main memory systems in the information-processing model?
A:

• Sensory Memory (very brief, milliseconds–seconds)

• Short-Term/Working Memory (limited capacity, ~20–30 seconds)

• Long-Term Memory (unlimited capacity, long duration)

What are the basic components of attention?

• Selective Attention (focusing on one thing while ignoring others)

• Sustained Attention (maintaining focus over time)

• Divided Attention (multitasking)

• Executive Attention (managing and controlling attention)

 What is selective attention?

Focusing on a specific stimulus while filtering out distractions

What is sustained attention?

The ability to maintain focus over a long period

What is divided attention?

 Trying to focus on multiple tasks at once (often reduces performance)

What is executive attention?

 The ability to plan, prioritize, and manage attention across tasks

 What types of processing resources relate to attention and memory?

• Cognitive Resources (mental effort available)

• Working Memory Capacity (how much info you can hold/process at once)

• Processing Speed (how fast you can think/use information)

How do limited processing resources affect attention?

 You can only focus on a limited amount of information at one time, so tasks compete for attention

What is automatic processing?

 Processing that requires little to no conscious effort (e.g., reading common words)

What are examples of automatic processing?

• Reading familiar words

• Walking

• Driving (after practice)

What is effortful processing?

Processing that requires conscious attention and mental effort

What are examples of effortful processing?

Studying new material

• Solving complex problems

• Learning a new skill

 Key difference between automatic and effortful processing?

• Automatic = fast, unconscious, no effort

• Effortful = slow, conscious, requires attention