Human Information Processing

The Processing Model

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).