Ever wondered how our brain works when we try to learn something new such as tying our shoelaces or remembering the birthday of a friend? Enter the “Information Processing Theory.”
This idea helps in knowing how our brain gets what we hear, makes the storage of it and uses it afterwards. The best way I can describe this is as a computer that intakes data, saves data and manipulates it so you can access your processed recommendations on demand.
Think about your brain as a large library. When you gain new knowledge, such as the name of your favourite animal or adding numbers, then a library adds another book.
It is like a library of books, but one that stays maintaining the order so you do not need to go searching for things when it should be in this book. It is an explanation of how we think, remember and solve problems according to the Information Processing Theory.
The Connection Between Our Brains And Computers
Your brain processes things the same way a computer does. Each one of these is the first step in taking some piece of information from the world around you.
This could be something as simple as seeing a beautiful butterfly flying near you or in the case of this classroom…listening to your teacher talk about dinosaurs. The information is only retrieved when you hear a sound or see something. This is an (‘encoding’) analogous to typing a record into a computer.
After this information is encoded, your brain stores it. It’s kind of like saving a file on your computer so that you can find the information again. That stored information is retained in your memory so you can access it at will.
The Information Processing Theory tells us we possess various memory stores, such as short-term memory where you store things for a while and long-term memory where things are held over time.
Lastly, you can request the details. Recall: This is when you remember something that you have learned. Illustration: You have posed the question what is 2+2? You have learnt this in the past, so your brain can quickly see what to do just like opening up a file on your computer. How to extract the (Recovery)Getting The Data Out Of Ram
Recent Posts The Magic of Memory: How We Remember Things
Our memory is a miraculous instrument, but it functions differently with different things to be remembered. There are, for example, instances in which you only need to hold on to the information shortly (as when briefly Memorizing a telephone number before dialling it).
This is your short-term memory in action. This function is like a sticky note that you use to write something down in it, immediately when the thought crosses your mind.
Then maybe somewhere down the line you finish and that phone number is no longer needed so into the bin stops your sticky note only just being worn out.
Instead, what then of those things you remember for ages — your home address or the names of all the people at school who you just know will be friends with everyone in their futures? This information is stored in your long-term memory.
It’s a gigantic storage room for items too essential to toss out but no viable use currently. The Information Processing Theory shows us that the brain assesses what needs to be retained in memory for a longer period and can chuck away sooner.
SOMETIMES; PRACTICE, MAKES PERFECT TO OBTAIN GOOD LOGIC. Like, for instance when you were learning to ride a bike and fell over –similar story.
But your brain improved its ability to remember how when you practised and now riding a bike is simple. This is simply because the more you access a memory, the better it gets and thus forms easily in your mind.
The Gateway to Learning
Besides attention, another prominent feature of the Information Processing Theory is perception. When it comes down to it, attention is like a flashlight in the dark that allows you to point towards what matters and turn away from everything else.
On the one hand, while in class your focus assists you to pay attention and learn new stuff that Your teacher speaks. Imagine the light ends up leaving you and everything else in darkness….
We are all driving around with our hands off the wheel, directing traffic in our brains. Other times, your brain will concentrate on things that capture its interest because they are as shiny and fun to you as a new toy or game.
To uphold, to listen instead of having fun this is what you need to do Sometimes sort up! The Information Processing Theory helps us to realize that the first stage of learning anything new is called attention, which means enabling reception so we can store correct information.
Why Do We Forget Things?
As good as our brains are, we occasionally still forget things You know the feeling right you studied your ass off for an exam but still, I can’t remember that answer! Our brains did not store the information or we did not practice it enough. Kinda like a computer glitch here and there we all have some wonky memory, right?
Forgetting can occur because we simply do not pay enough attention to the information, or if you never encode it in your memory properly or forget due to a lack of use.
But fear not, like rebooting a computer takes care of all its hanging problems review and practice are cures for the flu stopping your brain from remembering better.
How We Solve Problems
The Information Processing Theory is also based on problem-solving. This is what happens when you come up against a problem, like how to turn blocks into tall towers or solve difficult math problems your brain will draw on this reserve of understanding and use it to formulate solutions.
The brain is first working on Considering the problem, what already know might help. Next, it goes around to experiment with different things. This is the part where you keep trying keys until you find something that fits into the lock and it opens up. Let us face it, the more issues you can solve, the faster your neuronic connections become adept at solving them.
In Real-Life Applications of the Information Processing Theory
Now that you know how the Information Processing Theory functions, it will guide you into becoming a more efficient learner. So here are some tips to help you operate your brain like a computer
Avoid Distractions: When you go to learn something new, do not surround yourself with things which can distract your mind. This will make it easier for your brain to code the information.
Practice: Similar to riding a bike or learning about how to play a new game, practising helps your brain store information in long-term memory. It will be easier to remember the more you practise.
Sort out Your Thoughts: Just the way a pc arranges files in folders you can type your ideas. And tie a new thing you learn to something already familiar to You. It keeps the information in a place to retrieve it later.
Review: Sometimes, even after you’ve already learned something, it’s a good idea to review it. This maintains the memory sharp and helps prevent forgetting.
In Conclusion: The Power Of Your Brain
Information Processing Theory teaches us that our brains also function sort of like computers. We can all become better learners and problem solvers by learning to optimize the way information enters, stored and accessed in our brains.
Like with a computer, your brain has to have attention and practice focused on how you are going through life. So the next time you are trying to learn something new or solve a problem, remember that your brain is just like a super-smart computer always aiding and abetting with it.
