Model of Information Processing

The method of processing

determines the nature of the knowledge stored.

Long-Term Memory contains

Domain-Specific Knowledge

• Affective (subjective)

• Empirical (subjective)

• Item-specific (objective)

• Strategic (objective)

• Relational (objective)

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version

The kind of memory we are most interested in having an impact on is long-term memory. We hope that when students learn they will remember what they have learned and be able to find it not only in a test but be able to apply it to a real situation.

One model of processing of information divides long term knowledge into different kinds as on the slide. The important part of this model is that all types of knowledge listed are important in becoming an expert in the particular domain. In Music for example it is not sufficient to read music ‘technically’ well. The interpretation through affective and empirical knowledge is crucial is performance.

The other key feature of the model is that the method of processing determines the nature of the knowledge. You cannot appreciate music from an affective base if you only learn ‘the notes’ from a technical point of view.