Information-Processing Model (Education)

A model that explains how information is received, stored in memory, and accessed or retrieved, as described in the stage model of Craig and Lockhart (1972). In the information-processing model (IPT), the sensory register attends to some incoming information while missing or disregarding other information. Because of continuous incoming sensory information, attention is focused on distinguishing which information is important. In working memory, the brain interacts with the newly attended information. Within 40 to 60 seconds, the brain must perceive, label, and sort information in preparation for permanent storage; thus, information can be lost, confused with similar information, or poorly processed. Once it is stored in long-term memory, the information is prepared for future access and retrieval. This is made more efficient by using cognitive networking and organizing. For more information, see Craig and Lockhart (1972).