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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. Example 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 = 16 chunks 10 10 00 10 01 11 00 11 2 2 0 2 1 3 0 3 = 8 chunks 1010 0010 0111 0011 10 2 7 3 = 4 chunks

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

11. 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