Automatic Information Processing
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Synonyms
Definition
Automatic information processing refers to a mental cognitive process with the following characteristics: it is fast, parallel, efficient, requires little cognitive effort, and does not require active control or attention by the subject. This type of processing is the result of repetitive training on the same task. Once learned, an automatic response is difficult to suppress, modify, or ignore. Automatic information processing is used for skilled tasks and is considered to be the opposite process to controlled information processing.
Theoretical Background
During the 1950s the field of cognitive psychology focused on the capacity limits of human information processing, such as how the brain treats incoming information (stimuli). In 1958, the British psychologist Broadbent introduced a significant model of information processing and was one of the first to draw a distinction between automatic and controlled processes. Automatic...
References
- Birnbom, S. (2003). The automatic and controlled information-processing dissociation: Is it still relevant? Neuropsychological Review, 13, 19–31.Google Scholar
- Broadbent, D. E. (1958). Perception and communication. New York: Pergamon.Google Scholar
- Posner, M. I., & Snyder, C. R. (1975). Attention and cognitive control. In R. L. Solso (Ed.), Information processing and cognition: The Loyola symposium (pp. 55–85). Hillsdale, IN: Erlbaum.Google Scholar
- Schneider, W., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1977). Controlled ND automatic human information processing: Detection search and attention. Psychological Reviews, 84, 1–66.Google Scholar