infomation processing theories and the sociocultural perspective Flashcards
(30 cards)
What metaphor underpins the Information Processing theory?
The “mind-as-computer” metaphor – the human mind is seen as an information-processor with limits.
What are the ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ components in this theory?
Hardware = brain and sensory system; Software = strategies and rules
What are the fundamental processes of information processing?
Acquisition, storage, retrieval of information; attention, encoding, and different memory stores (sensory register, working memory, long-term memory).
How does the theory explain developmental shifts in cognition?
By referencing limits in memory capacity and strategy knowledge, especially in problem-solving.
What are the 3 main ways children overcome processing limitations?
- Processing more information at once
- Increasing processing speed
- Acquiring new strategies
What brain-related developments improve efficiency of processing?
Myelin-coating of axons (improved connectivity); enhanced selection and inhibition by central executive functioning.
What role do strategies play in cognitive development?
They aid selective attention, storage/retrieval, and manipulation of info; often domain-specific.
How does working memory change over time?
Structure remains consistent, but capacity and speed increase with age.
What influences capacity development?
Brain maturation, external environment, and increased content knowledge.
What is executive functioning?
Control over cognition, including inhibition of responses, use of strategies, cognitive flexibility.
Why is executive functioning important?
Predicts future academic achievement; can be trained.
What enhances speed of processing in development?
Increased myelination of axons from prenatal stages to adolescence (Paus, 2010).
What are examples of cognitive strategies?
Rehearsal, organization, selective attention.
What does Chi’s research on child chess experts show?
Children with domain-specific knowledge can outperform adults, despite general limitations.
What is Siegler’s ‘Overlapping Waves’ model?
Children use multiple strategies simultaneously; newer strategies gradually dominate, rather than replacing older ones in stages.
What are the ultimate goals of strategy use?
- Automatisation – freeing cognitive resources
- Generalisation – applying strategies across contexts
How does information-processing theory differ from Piaget’s theory?
It views development as domain-specific and gradual (not stage-like), focusing on mechanisms rather than just outcomes.
What is the foundation of Vygotsky’s theory?
Cognitive development stems from social (intermental) to individual (intramental) activity.
What innate traits are key to human learning, according to Tomasello?
The tendency to teach and to learn from others.
What role do cultural tools play in development?
Tools like language and social structures shape thinking; knowledge is asymmetrically distributed.
What is guided participation?
A child is actively led by an adult through tasks, learning by doing within social interaction
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
The range between what a child can do alone vs. with help; scaffolding supports performance within this zone.
What are intersubjectivity and joint attention?
Shared understanding and mutual focus that support learning through communication.
What types of talk support learning best?
Dialogic and exploratory talk elicit reasoning and deeper understanding.
