Information Processing , problem solving, the brain & Learning.

 By Foretia epse Atem Ajong.

 

Date: 20^th  March 2022.

The brain has been likened to a computer and its processes that are involved in information processing, learning, and solving problems(Walden, University, LLC, n.d). In this regard, writers such as Pappas (2016) mention three stages of information processing and problem-solving: inputs, storage, and outputs. The inputs here are stimuli gathered through the human senses such as hearing, seeing, touching and taste. These stimuli are screened through the sensory memory (Pappas, 2014) and filtered if the information is worth remembering. The storage stage is comprised of both short and long-term memory. Data in the short-term memory can manage more significant portions of information which can last for about 10 seconds to one minute, according to Pappas (2016). Long-term memory is where data is stored and retrieved as output used to solve complex problems.

Individual memories stored in the long-term memory as proposed by Koster et al(2018) are stored as separate memory traces in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. When the hippocampus retrieves a particular memory, it activates the trigger to retrieve more related memories which the brain then connects to develop new insights and solutions to problems. For example, Koster et (2018) share an example of one seeing a woman driving a car today and tomorrow seeing a man driving the same car. Immediately, the memory recalls the woman driving the car the previous day and can develop an insight that both the man and woman live in the same house.

Nevertheless, the whole point of learning is to be able to retain information as memories can not be retrieved to solve problems if they were not retained. Lawless (2019)mentions breaking up information into smaller portions so that the brain does not suffer from information overload and hence no attention to the material. Also, linking old knowledge to new one helps learners retain new information more(Lawless, 2019). Again, Ormrod(Walden University, LCC, n.d) suggests connecting the information to real-life experiences or scenarios to aid increase in storing and retrieving information to and from the long-term memory.

 Nevertheless, unlike computers, Lawless(2019), emphasizes that learners’ ability to recall information is highly influenced by the level of motivation and emotion. If the level of motivation is high, repeating and encoding the information through varied methods become appealing and hence storage in the long-term memory.

Lastly, Lawless(2019) mentions different stages and ways in which information can be lost; either when it is unattended or unrehearsed over time. This creates a key point for instructional designers to note when designing learning interventions to aim at minimizing information lost in the process.

The resources in this knowledge area are quite informative and provide ease of understanding of the complex process of how learners learn, process information, and solve problems.

 

References.

 

Koster,R.,  Chadwick,M, J., Yi Chen, Y.,  Berron, D.,Banino, A., Düzel, E., Hassabis, D., and Kumaran, D.  (2018, September). How the Brain Combines Memories to Solve Problems. Neuroscience news. Retrieved from: https://neurosciencenews.com/memory-problem-solving-9891/ doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2018.08.009

Lawless, C.(2019, August). What is Information Processing Theory?: Using it in Your Corporate Training. LearnUponBlog. Retrieved from: https://www.learnupon.com/blog/what-is-information-processing-theory/.

Pappas, C. (2014,  March). Instructional Design Models and Theories: Information Processing Theory eLearning Industry. Retrieved from: https://elearningindustry.com/information-processing-theory

 Pappas, C. (2016, November). Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information eLearning Industry. Retrieved from: https://elearningindustry.com/information-processing-basics-how-brain-processes-

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.). Information processing and the brain [Video file].

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.). Information processing and problem solving [Video file].