Central Message

In chapter 3, "Overview of the Human Information-Processing System", various parts of human cognition are identified and contrasted with the information-processing of computers. The brain is a complex organ that organizes cognition processes in different areas of itself. Information is received by the brain when receptors send impulses, via neurons, to the central nervous system. Here the information goes to the immediate memory and, if worthwhile, into the working memory. The working memory holds information for about 10 seconds and is limited to about 5 different units of information. Material that is kept is stored in long-term memory. This information is stored for a lifetime, but may not always be retrievable if there is not a good retrieval cue used to remember the information. Control processes let us facilitate the information-processing events.

Application

A computer that processes information is seen as both similar and dissimilar to the information-processing system of humans. Both a computer and a human take in information, store it, and then output the information in some format. However, a computer and a human are different in the size and speed of information they are able to manipulate. A computer can hold much more information and can process information at far greater speeds than the human brain. Furthermore, humans remember only partial information, while computers either have all of the information or none of it. Thus, the superiority of human cognition is that humans have the ability to be creative and adaptive with information, while computers do not. Computers have a hard time with relatively simple human tasks, like having a conversation and recognizing faces, because they require pattern recognition and flexible use of information.

Value

This chapter is useful to teachers by explaining information-processing and the function of various parts of the brain. In addition, the comparison between human cognition and a computer allows one to see the role of computers in society. This provides an opportunity for discussion, as students look towards the future and debate the implications of technology on society.