Discuss what is meant by an information-processing approach to cognitive development

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Typically, this approach compares cognitive development to computer systems. Concepts such as encoding,
storage, and retrieval are used to describe how children acquire, remember, and utilize information. This
approach looks at the roles of (1) selective attention, (2) storage and retrieval of information, and (3) strategies
for processing information. Selective attention is an important concept, as it focuses on how the child learns to
screen out irrelevant information and focus on important details. This ability is important for efficient processing
of information and for memory. The information-processing approach also looks at levels of memory. The most
prominent theory of memory divides memory into three stages: (1) sensory memory, (2) short-term memory,
and (3) long-term memory. Sensory memory is a brief sense-based memory that fades within a fraction of a
second. Information that is processed, or "attended" to, in sensory memory may then be shifted to short-term
memory. This level of memory is our typical working memory. We use it to place new information into longterm memory (through rehearsal and other memory strategies), or we can use it to recall information for use
that is already in memory (such as a phone number or a person's name).