Information Processing Theory - Research Paper Example

Information Processing Theory Introduction This paper seeks to examine the use of information processing theory in research. The paper will include how this theory is being utilized, how the theory is applied, the support evidence of the theory, and the evaluation of the utility of the research article. For this research paper, we will consider Rahul Thadani’s article, Information Processing Theory: The Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition. Thadani in his article asserts that cognitive development is part of psychology dealing in the individual’s learning abilities. He concludes the article by stating that information processing theory shows how information is processed after receipt and then recovered in the human brain. Information processing theory is an advance towards the cognitive development of a human being. The theory deals with the analysis and study of sequential events occurring in the mind of individuals as they receiving new piece of information. Generally, information processing theory is the study and analysis of how human beings learn new ideas. Rahul’s article states that fixed pattern of events take place in situations like that. Through understanding this pattern we can enable people and children with special abilities to, faster, learn new ideas. This theory claims that computers and human mind share a similar mechanism of processing information. It also asserts that new information going through to the brain is initially analyzed and put to a test of benchmarks before storage in memory vestibules. However, we cannot notice these actions since they happen very fast. In this article, the theory says that human being’s sensory preceptors work in the similar to computer hardware. Information processing theory states that the strategies and rules adopted in the process of learning by individuals is equivalent to computer software. Therefore, the system of information processing of a person may be advanced when rules and preceptors are altered. This theory is therefore a system of theoretical frameworks addressing how information is received, thought about, modified mentally and remembered, and the manner in which such process of cognitive changes in the course of development. The theory involves components such as working memory, sensory register, and long term memory. New information is received by the sensory register, processed at the working memory, and transferred to long term memory. In his article, Thadani refers to these components as rehearsal, attention, and elaboration. Without these factors, people will not be able to understand, perceive, use and remember anything got every day. The information processing model follows a fixed structure of components as mentioned in the above paragraph. The structure of the model is as follows: The store model: this states that any information received can be kept at any unit of processing or channels it goes through. These channels are short term memory, sensory register and long term memory. The sensory register: this makes part of the unit of mental processing receiving all information which is then stored permanently or temporarily. Short term memory: this is a part of sensory register in which information can be temporarily stored. The information is then transferred to long term memory once a decision has been made concerning such information. Long term memory: this is where information is stored permanently. Such information can be recovered as need arises. The use and application of information processing theory is something seen in our daily learning. The use and application of this theory can be explained as follows; at any given point when people perceive information, encode, store, retrieve, or represent information, it’s taken as thinking. Where a dilemma or problem arises, people must always encode critical information on the dilemma and then the stored information can be used in solving the dilemma. The steps involved include encoding, automization, strategy construction and generalization. Through adjusting and modifying responses to problems and previous dilemmas, people develop new means of dealing with same problems in the future and avoiding related mistakes. This is self modification. According to George Miller (1956), the developer of the theory, human mind can hold 5 to 9 chunks of information only at a time. He also asserted that learning is a change in knowledge stored in the memory. Information processing theory has been supported by many researchers in their assertions. George Miller in his works confirmed that the model of information processing is very complex and fast. Studying this theory allows us to enhance the process of learning in adults and children through explaining the way in which this process works. Some of the evidence that has been used to support this theory is factors that influence the learning process. George Miller cites hereditary and environment as some of the factors that influence information processing and intelligence. Individual’s perception of the surroundings is influenced by the environment. Such perceptions are very critical for human survival. Children first confront information coming from direct simulation from their living environment. The environment poses an effect on the perception of children and their memory. As children grow older, their environment expands and so is the base of their knowledge. Heredity is also support evidence to information processing. It affects the development of intelligence and information processing. Hereditary affects the natural inclination of children of what kind of information to remember, just as done by the environment. This makes hereditary a pivotal factor of information processing theory. Conclusion In summary, the information processing theory is a complex theory which attempts to categorize the manner in which information is perceived, recognized, used, utilized, and stored in the memory. This theory identifies and recognizes the ability of an individual to have control over what kind information is processed and developments and changes of these abilities. Human mind works in inexplicable ways, and it is hence very important for educators to understand and be aware of how development takes place in children. Educators and teachers should also be able to identify and recognize children development so as to teach effectively and maximize the ability of information processing among students. Information processing can also be used and applied by teachers to plan structured lessons in accordance with the needs of development of their students. The theory will also enable teachers to be aware of any developing problems in case children do not develop at a normal rate. Generally, information processing theory is a vital and valuable tool for effective teaching and mastery of how memory actually works. References Rahul Thadani. (2010). Information Processing Theory: The Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 10-200. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/information-processing-theory.html Read More