Information Processing Model
The Information Processing Model is a way to understand how humans learn, remember, and use information. It compares the human mind to a computer, showing how information is taken in, stored, and retrieved when needed.
The model has three main stages:
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1. Sensory Memory
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This is the first stage where information from the environment is received through the senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.).
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It holds information very briefly (a few seconds) before deciding whether to pass it on for further processing.
2. Short-Term Memory (Working Memory)
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Information that is noticed moves to short-term memory.
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It can hold a limited amount of information for a short period (around 20–30 seconds).
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Working memory allows us to think, reason, and solve problems using the information we have.
3. Long-Term Memory
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Information that is important or repeated moves into long-term memory.
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This memory can store large amounts of information for a long time, sometimes for a lifetime.
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We retrieve information from long-term memory whenever we need it, like recalling facts, experiences, or skills.
In simple words:
The information processing model shows how we take in information, remember it, and use it later, just like a computer storing and retrieving data.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Which stage of the information processing model first receives information from the environment?
a) Short-term memory
b) Long-term memory
c) Sensory memory
d) Working memory
Answer: c)
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How long does sensory memory usually hold information?
a) A few minutes
b) A few seconds
c) Several hours
d) Several days
Answer: b)
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Short-term memory is also called:
a) Working memory
b) Long-term memory
c) Sensory memory
d) Storage memory
Answer: a)
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Which memory can store large amounts of information for a long time?
a) Short-term memory
b) Sensory memory
c) Long-term memory
d) Temporary memory
Answer: c)
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Information moves from short-term to long-term memory when it is:
a) Ignored
b) Repeated or meaningful
c) Forgotten quickly
d) Not important
Answer: b)
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Which of the following is an example of sensory memory?
a) Remembering a friend’s birthday
b) Hearing a car horn and noticing it
c) Learning to ride a bicycle
d) Recalling a lesson from last week
Answer: b)
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The information processing model compares the human mind to:
a) A library
b) A computer
c) A book
d) A television
Answer: b)
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Working memory helps us to:
a) Store unlimited information permanently
b) Process and think about information temporarily
c) Ignore unnecessary information
d) Forget old memories
Answer: b)
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Long-term memory can store:
a) Only 5–10 items
b) Only sensory input
c) Large amounts of information for a long time
d) Information for a few seconds
Answer: c)
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Which stage decides whether information is important enough to move to short-term memory?
a) Long-term memory
b) Short-term memory
c) Sensory memory
d) Working memory
Answer: c)
