PSYB32H3 Lecture 7: PSYB20 - Lecture 7.docx
Document Summary
Slide 2 the mind as a computer. Information processing theory is not a single, unified theory, not a developmental theory, but a theory of general cognitive ability. Information processing theory is an approach used by psychologists in studying different aspects of cognition. The mind as a computer is the underlying analogy for information processing: the mind is a complex, symbol manipulating system. Step 1:encoding: take in and store information in symbolic representation format. Internal process that operate on information, revise its symbolic structure. Step 3:decoding: decipher and interpret meaning, compare new information with previously stored information; link it to other information. Information is transformed, generates a new representation of information: produce a response, usually a behavioral performance like solving a task or problem. Similar to piaget in terms of the view of the child. Contrast: attempts to offer precisions in providing declared understanding of what cognition does when it is at work.
