Information Processing Models Flashcards
What is the information processing model?
Views the mind as a computer
We have to invision some type of input leading to some types of output
Information is processed serially
contrasts with early stage theories of development
What is sensory memory?
Flash letters on screen, aware there is letters on screen but not enough time to put into working memory
Stores all stimuli that register senses
Ex. noise in hallway, feeling of chair, temperature (we ignore most of this information)
A fleeting image that decays rapidly
Lasts for less than two seconds
Allows for continuous perception of the world
What is working memory?
Sensory memory that is attended too
Used to be called short term memory, however renamed to working memory to emphasized that the memory is being worked on not just sitting there
An active process
Limited by attentional resources
In adults, can only hold around 7 items at a time
For children its 2-5 items
What is Long term memory?
If you deem information to be important, it goes here
Permenant storage system that can hold vast quantities of information
What is the procedural type of long term memory?
learned habits and skills
Often implicit, we dont know we have them
Ex. riding a bicycle
What is the declarative type of long term memory?
KNowledge of general facts and autobiographical memory
Ex. stuff you learn in school or what you did on your 7th birthday
What is executive function?
Basic level abilities involved in regulating attention nd using information in short or long term memory
What are 5 cognitive abilities associated with executive functions
- speed of processing
- Memory
- Attention
- Inhibitory control
- Cognitie flexibility
What is the speed of processing cognitive ability?
How quickly children can process information
Young children require more time to complete cognitive tasks\
Speed increases with age
Increased speed due to
Increased myelination
Fatty coating covering the axon that allows it to move faster. The more myelin the more efficient it is
Particularly in the frontal lobe
Synaptic pruning
Use it or lose it
The connections that are left become more efficient
Conversely, in older adulthood, white matter decreases
Associated with reduced speed of processing
Reaction times tend to become delayed
what is the memory cognitive ability?
- Increased memory span
- Increases in working memory
What is the phonological loop?
Verbal information
The rate at which we repeat things in our head corresponds with how fast we can say them in real life
As children age they can say words faster, which allows more information to be held in working memory
Negative correlation between length of words and number of items held via the phonological loop
What is the cognitive ability of attention
With age, see increased
Attention span
The length of time with which you can sustain focused attention
Selective attention
Ability to focus only on chosen stimuli, and ignore take irrelevant stimuli
What is teh cognitive ability of inhibitory control?
Inhibition: The ability to prevent from making a cognitive or behavioral response
Children tend to blurt out whatever they are feeling
Increased inhibitory control with age
What is the cognitive ability of cognitive flexibility?
The ability to shift between sets of rules or tasks
Kids are able to learn rules but think that rules can never be broken
If you suddenly change the rules they revert to their old behaviours
Children often perseverate on a single action
They get stuck in a certain behaviour
What is a utilization deficency?
Using a strategy but showing no benefit from the strategy
