Introduction Learning theory Information Processing Theory George A. Miller (Originator)

Learning Theory What is a Learning Theory? Descriptive in nature It describes how learning occurs Different from Instructional Theory, and Design Theory

Information Processing Theory Information Processing Theory is a learning theory It is based on two theoretical ideas: Concept of chunking and the capacity of the Short Term Memory (STM) Concept of Information Processing, uses the metaphor of computer as a model for human learning

Conceptualization of the Human Memory (taken from Gredler, 1997)

Concept of chunking and the capacity of the STM STM can hold between 5-9 chunks of information A chunk is any meaningful unit A chunk can be digits, words, people’s faces, etc.

Concept of Information Processing Encoding=Representing information Retention=Holding information Retrieval=Getting information back

Experimental details Experimental researches cited The listeners couldn’t pick more than 6 different pitches The listeners were able to discriminate between 5 different loudness Participants were able to taste between 4 different salt solutions The participants were able to discriminate between 10 different points on a line The mean corresponds to about 6.5 categories

Conclusion Short term memory (or attention span) is limited to seven chunks of information Processing information in sequential steps is a fundamental cognitive process Implications for Interface Design Miller did not require people to remember changing information. (The Web is dynamic)

Example = 16 chunks = 8 chunks = 4 chunks

Resources Theory Into Practice (TIP) Database Information Processing Theory Instructional-Design Theories Home page Instructional-Design Theories Home page Gredler, 1997

Discussion & Questions Seven wonders of the world Seven seas Seven deadly sins Seven primary colors Seven notes of the musical scale Seven days of the week Seven-point rating scale