psychlotron.org.uk
• How many different ways can you upgrade a
computer?
• If you could upgrade a mind, what might you
improve?
Today’s session
You are learning to...
• Analyse research findings
using alternative points of
view
• Use research to evaluate
theories
psychlotron.org.uk
You are learning about...
• Information processing
approaches to cognitive
development
Input
Process
Output
External
stimulus
Problem
solving
Action
psychlotron.org.uk
Information processing
Information processing
• Cognitive development is seen as a process by
which children become capable of processing
information in more complex ways
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– Development of working memory, attention
– More skilled/efficient use of processes
– Acquisition of better strategies
Information processing
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• Can you remember learning to multiply
numbers?
• How is this skill different for you now?
Information processing
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• Automation of processing allows processing
capacity to be ‘freed up’ so more complex
tasks can be undertaken
Case (1974)
• Cognitive development involves changes in:
– Number of ‘schemes’ available
• Like Piaget’s schemas
– Figurative, operative & executive
– Acquired through modification, combination & consolidation
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– M-power (mental capacity)
– Importance attached to perceptual and other cues
Piaget
Information processing
• Thinking ability is domain
independent
• Ability to solve problems
depends on a grasp of their
underlying logic
• Children work out an
accurate understanding of
how the world really is
• Development proceeds at
its own pace
• Thinking ability is domain
specific
• Ability to solve problems
depends on cognitive load,
strategies & experience
• Children acquire rules that
are ‘good enough’ for
common problems
• Development can be
accelerated with teaching
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IP versus Piaget
IP versus Piaget
psychlotron.org.uk
• How does Piaget explain adult performance
on the pendulum problem & how would the IP
approach explain it?
• Which account do you find more convincing?