Information processing

• Information processing


  Information processing is using available information in order to make a decision; this is choosing a suitable skill or movement.

  It involves gathering data from the display (senses) and prioritising the most important stimuli to make a suitable decision.
• Basic model of information processing

  Input, decision making, output, feedback.

  
• Input


  • Performer takes in information from the environment/display - e.g. what they can see, what they can hear, what they can feel

  They choose what is the most relevant signal/cue/stimulus/piece of information to them at the time
• Decision making


  This is where the performer selects an appropriate response (movement/skill) from memory; perhaps one they have used in this situation before.
• Short term memory


  • The ‘working’ memory
  • Information from the display is held here for approx 30 seconds. If your attention is directed to something else the information is lost
• Long term memory


  • Holds information that has been rehearsed and stored
  • If a memory or past experience is relevant to what is required at the time, it is compared to information in the short term memory so that a suitable decision can be made
• Output


  • The decision chosen is sent to the appropriate muscles to carry out the response
  • E.g. impulses sent to arms and hands to start the appropriate muscular movements for the catch to take place
• Feedback


  Performers receive information via themselves (intrinsic) and/or from others (extrinsic) regarding the success (or not) of the action.

  The feedback received may affect how you complete this skill in the future

  For example - you can feel the ball in your hands (intrinsic feedback) and your teammates/the crowd cheer when you catch it (extrinsic feedback)