Human Information Processing

040-03-01Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

The Processing Model

Information Processing Model - Atkinson & Shiffrin

Information flows through distinct stages:

  1. Sensation: Receptors detect stimuli (Light, Sound).
  2. Sensory Memory: Holds raw data for a split second (Iconic/Visual: 0.5s, Echoic/Auditory: 2-8s).
  3. Perception: Giving meaning to the sensation based on experience/models (Top-down processing).
  4. Decision Making: Choosing an action.
  5. Action: Executing the response.

Memory Systems

  • Short Term Memory (Working Memory):
    • Capacity: Very limited (7 $\pm$ 2 items).
    • Duration: 10-20 seconds without rehearsal.
    • Vulnerability: Easily disrupted by distraction.
  • Long Term Memory:
    • Capacity: Unlimited.
    • Types:
      • Episodic: Events/Experiential.
      • Semantic: Facts/Knowledge.
      • Procedural: Motor skills (Flying "hands and feet").

Attention

  • Selective Attention: Focusing on one source, ignoring others (Cocktail Party Effect). Risk of tunnelling.
  • Divided Attention: Time-sharing between tasks. Performance drops as tasks increase.
  • Sustained Attention: Vigilance over long periods. Hard for humans (hypovigilance).
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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