Six Cognitive Processes

Denise Stewart | Professor Hilbert | Georgia Southern University

Information Processing Theory

Background
The six Cognitive Processes are Selection , Rehearsal ,
Internal Organization, Elaboration , Visual Imagery,
and Meaningful Learning. in order to store information in
Long-Term memory and effect how the information is
stored. We use the cognitive processes is our daily lives
with learning. We learn everyday.

Based upon the work of psychologist Atkinson and Shiffrin, it

is hypothesized that information is handled in three distinct
stages. The stages are Sensory Memory, Short-Term/Working
Memory and Long-Term Memory. The six Cognitive Process
helps gets the information to Long-Term Memory and effects
how information is stored.

Six Cognitive Process

INTERNAL ORGANIZTION
Internal Organization is when information
is organized using and outline.
Interconnecting the pieces.

ELABORATION
Learning brings together cognitive, emotional, and
environmental influences and experiences for acquiring,
enhancing, or making changes in one's knowledge, skills,
values, and world views.

Learning Theory
Learning Theories are conceptual frameworks that
describe how information is absorbed, processed and
retained during learning. The three main categories of
Learning Theory are behaviorism, cognitive, and
constructivism.
Behaviorism Theory
Focuses only on the
objectively
observable aspects
of learning.

Cognitive Theory
Looks beyond
behavior to explain
brain-based
learning.

Construct vision
Theory
Views learning as a
process in which the
learner actively
constructs or builds
new ideas or
concepts.

Cognitive Theory
Cognitive Theories look beyond behavior to explain brainbased learning. Cognitive learning is when we process
meaningful verbal material. Cognitive theories focus on
how people process information. Such theories are know as
Information Processing Theory. The heart of cognitive
theories.

Six Cognitive Process

SELECTION
The Selection stage is when learners choose what to pay
attention too. Leaners must choose carefully when choosing
new knowledge from the environment. Before presenting
anything to anyone you must have their attention

ELABORATIVE REHEARSAL
Elaborative Rehearsal stage is memorization. Through repetition
and practice a learner can use this method to store information.
Its perform naturally by humans without being taught. Not very
effective way to store information. Encoding occurs when the
learner actively uses new information in ways to relate to prior
knowledge which is already in Long-Term Memory.

Elaboration stage is when learning more than the actual

presented material. It involves adding detail which could be
fictional, to the information to remember. Kind of like Hansel and
Gretel bread crumbs. It provides an additional means for
retrieval of information sort of hints, if a more direct route fails.
The learner uses new information and prior knowledge to
construct a sensible explanation of a event. For example
creating a mental picture, using rhyming or the first letter of
each word in a list used to make sentence in order to
remember.

VISUAL IMAGERY
Visual Imagery is forming mental images of information to explain
what was seen or heard to help the learner understand and
remember. Not always an accurate representation of information
images tend to be less clear than the original. Like a visual sketch
pad.

ELABORATION
Meaningful Learning is connects new information to prior knowledge
which gives meaning to the new information (understanding) It
facilitates both storage and retrieval.