Technology has advanced over the decades, taking us to today’s information age. Now, modern operations and solutions have become driven by information and communication technologies. In fact, data creation, usage, distribution, and manipulation have become critical in various industries. These are considered transformative elements that influence outcomes, strategies, performance, and returns of institutions. Show
With this, it is important to be aware of how information is processed and consumed. The information processing theory describes how individuals record, store, and retrieve information in their brains. This affects the motivation and the behavior of a person (Hann et al., 2007). Consequently, the actions and behavior of individuals influence society as a whole. This article defines information processing theory, its elements and origins, based on current literature. It also discusses existing models that expound on the theory, its limitations, and some of its organizational benefits. After reading the article, the reader should have an idea of how people process information, its implications, and why applying its approaches comes as a worthwhile psychology career option. Information Processing Theory Table of ContentsInformation processing theory is an approach to cognitive development studies that aims to explain how information is encoded into memory. It is based on the idea that humans do not merely respond to stimuli from the environment. Instead, humans process the information they receive. While experts believe that the brain’s mechanisms and functions are relatively simple, the magnitude and scope of neural networks and their behaviors are quite powerful as a whole (Wang, Liu, & Wang, 2003). These include how the brain processes information. Information processing theory not only explains how information is captured, but how it is stored and retrieved as well (Çeliköz, Erişen, & Şahin, 2019). The process begins with receiving input, also called stimulus, from the environment using various senses. The input is then described and stored in the memory, which is retrieved when needed. The mind or the brain is likened to a computer that is capable of analyzing information from the environment. Consequently, information processing affects a person’s behavior (Hann, Hui, Lee, & Png, 2007). In the expectancy theory of motivation, an individual processes information about behavior-outcome relationships. Then, they can form expectations based on the information and make decisions. Origins of Information Processing TheoryGeorge Armitage Miller was the first to put forth the idea of the theory of information processing. He was one of the original founders of cognition studies in psychology. His studies are based on Edward C. Tolman’s sign and latent learning theories, which propose that learning is an internal and complex process which involves mental processes (Çeliköz, Erişen, & Şahin, 2019). Miller discovered the capacity of the working memory, which can generally hold up to seven plus or minus two items. Additionally, he coined the term “chunking” when describing the functionalities of short-term memory. Aside from Miller, John William Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin are also associated with the Cognitive Information Processing Theory. This refers to the proposed multi-stage theory of memory, which is one of the leading models of information processing theory (Sala, 2007). Two other psychologists, Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch made significant contributions to the theory through their own studies. They presented a more in-depth model of memory with various stages, such as visuospatial sketch pad, phonological loop, and central executive (Baddeley, 2006). Elements of Information Processing TheoryWhile major models of information processing theory vary, they are mostly composed of three main elements (Çeliköz, Erişen, & Şahin, 2019):
Models of Information Processing TheoryThere are various attempts to develop models of information processing. The two most popular are the multi-store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin and the working memory model by Baddeley and Hitch. Atkinson and Shiffrin ModelJohn William Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin proposed the multi-store model in 1968 to illustrate their view of human memory (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1977). The model shows the three subsections of human memory and how they work together. So, what are the 3 stages of information processing? They are as follows:
Baddeley and Hitch Model of Working MemoryAlan Baddeley and Graham Hitch proposed the model of working memory back in 1974. They provided an in-depth understanding of the mind and how it processes information. Four more elements are added to further illustrate the information processing theory (Goldstein & Mackewn, 2005), namely:
Limitations of Information Processing TheoryJust like any theory, the information processing theory has its limitations. While the presented models adequately describe how information is processed, several issues arise as well: Analogy Between Computer and Human is LimitedThe information processing theory likens the mind to a computer due to the following aspects:
One of the obvious limitations of this analogy is the capacity of the human brain to store information that is on the order of 108432 bits. That means the capacity of human memory is excessively better than a computer’s (Wang, Liu, & Wang, 2003). This quantity gap between a computer and a human brain means the latter can accommodate processes that the former simply cannot. Also, the analogy also does not consider the motivational and emotional factors that affect a human’s cognition. The Models Assume Serial ProcessingExisting models of information processing theory assume serial processing, which means one process needs to be completed before the next process begins. This is very similar to how a computer functions, hence the analogy. However, the mind is capable of parallel processing, which means simultaneous processing of various inputs with varying quality (Laberge & Samuels, 1974). Such ability of the human brain depends on the processes needed to accomplish a task and/or the amount of practice and the ability of the individual. For example, a touch typist is able to read passages while typing them on the keyboard. On the other hand, a novice typist would focus on a letter or a word at a time. Organizational Benefits of Information Processing TheoryInformation processing theory can be extended beyond individuals. Just like a human mind, an organization is also an entity that processes information as part of its critical functionalities. As such, the concepts in the information processing theory can be applied to organizations. There are four primary stages of processing information in organizations which usually, but not always, occur in order (Kmetz, 2020):
By understanding how information is processed in a task, organizations can reduce uncertainty. The greater the uncertainty, the more information needs to be processed by the decision-makers in order to fully execute the task and understand its implications (Galbraith, 1974). On the other hand, when enough information related to the task is processed, it becomes well understood even before its execution. As such, many of its steps can be preplanned, which improves efficiency, resource management, and change management. Furthermore, relevant strategies can be formulated to take advantage of opportunities and minimize potential issues. Such examples are knowledge-intensive activities in global organizations. An in-depth understanding of information processing allows organizations to expand such activities to members across different locations. They can then examine various stages of information processing and understand the importance and effects of various factors, such as customers’ needs, task commoditization, and collaborative technologies (Chen & Lin, 2016). Then, the organization can design the most effective dispersion of activities that will maximize human and other resources. Information Processing Theory and Its Current Areas of ResearchInformation processing theory is currently being used in various industries, areas of study, and technology careers. Beyond the individual, the concepts, models, and ideas in information processing are being applied to various entities such as:
As the interest in how the human mind works expands, so does the application of information processing theory. Furthermore, it improves the understanding of how various entities from individuals to entire organizations deal with information. Consequently, new models, ideas, and concepts are developed under various contexts, with information processing theory serving as their core. Learners who wish to know more about these can take on-ground or online degrees in psychology. What are the 3 stages of information processing?Information processing includes three distinct stages, stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming.
What are the 3 phases of information processing in memory quizlet?The three steps in memory information processing are: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Which of the following are the three elements in information processing?The three elements of information processing are encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process by which information is initially recorded in a form usable to memory. storage refers to the maintenance of material saved in memory.
Which of the following are the three keys to cognition in the information processing theory?Key Points
Information processing theory treats humans as organisms that can process information and store information in three stages: Sensory register, short term memory, and long term memory.
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