Modern Theories I: Information Processing

Question 1

• Info processing views the child as a computer and bases its approach on careful analysis of thought/ behavior (be able to explain the view of the child and the concept of task analysis)

Answer 1

o Child actively works to solve problems, given the hardware available at a given age
o Thinking is info processing
o Development driven by learning, memory, and problem solving skills
o Younger kids don’t have as good “hardware”

Question 2

• According to Info Processing Theory, key changes involve improvements in basic processes and strategies (be able to identify examples of this)

Answer 2

o Continuous
o Capacity, speed, and efficiency of attention, memory, perception, and problem solving develop incrementally
o Strategies make capacity faster and better (these strategies get better with age)
o At any age, we use multiple strategies, the frequency at which we use each strategy changes over time
o Maturation leads to changes in processing (nature) training helps too (nurture)

Question 3

• Info processing identifies six key cognitive processes that are mechanisms for cognitive development (know and be able to explain each of them)

Answer 3

o Association: come to “tie” two events together (“this is a ball”)
o Generalization: applying solutions from one situation to another (take what you know and apply it)
o Encoding: representing features of objects and events in memory (way we put things into our memory)
o Inhibition: ignoring or distracting irrelevant information (paying attention to what matters)
o Autoimmunization: skills become “unconscious” leading to faster, more accurate execution (frees resources for other processes over time)
o Strategy construction/ selection: generate new strategies when faces with problems; strategies compete with each other, adaptively select best strategy

Question 4

Pros of Info processing

Answer 4

• Specific, therefore testable

* Allows for individual differences (performance can differ depending on task)

Question 5

Cons of Info processing

Answer 5

• Little focus on social contexts

* Hard to differentiate between milestones and mechanisms (strategy)

Question 6

Applications to education

Answer 6

o Base assessment and instruction on task analysis
• Detailed picture of knowledge
• Target instruction to particular need
o Adjust instruction to support learning mechanisms
o Design interventions to improve learning mechanisms