12.1 Information Processing Theory

Information Processing Theory is a key concept in motor control, viewing the brain as a computer processing information in stages. It breaks down movement into stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming, with feedback playing a crucial role in refining motor responses.

This theory emphasizes the importance of attention and memory in motor control. It explains how sensory information from various sources is processed and used to plan and execute movements, providing a framework for understanding how we learn and perform motor skills.

Information processing theory components

Key components and their roles

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• The information processing theory views the brain as a computer that processes information in stages, similar to how a computer processes data
• The three main components of information processing are the stimulus identification stage, response selection stage, and response programming stage
  • The stimulus identification stage involves the detection and identification of relevant sensory information from the environment
  • The response selection stage involves deciding on an appropriate motor response based on the identified stimulus and the individual's goals
  • The response programming stage involves organizing and initiating the chosen motor response
• Feedback is an essential component of information processing theory as it allows for the modification and refinement of motor responses based on the outcome of the movement (visual, proprioceptive, or auditory feedback)

Attention and memory in information processing

• Attention and memory play crucial roles in the information processing theory as they influence the selection, storage, and retrieval of relevant information for motor control
• Attention directs cognitive resources to relevant stimuli and motor tasks, enabling effective information processing and motor performance (selective attention, divided attention)
• Memory stores and retrieves information related to motor skills, strategies, and experiences, facilitating the planning and execution of motor responses (working memory, long-term memory)

Sensory information processing in motor control

Sensory information detection and transmission

• Sensory information from various modalities, such as vision, proprioception, and vestibular sense, is detected by sensory receptors and transmitted to the central nervous system for processing
• Visual information provides data about the environment, object locations, and movement of the body (hand position, obstacle avoidance)
• Proprioceptive information from muscles, tendons, and joints conveys the position and movement of body parts (joint angles, muscle tension)
• Vestibular information from the inner ear contributes to balance and spatial orientation (head position, acceleration)

Stimulus identification and response selection

• The stimulus identification stage involves the perception and interpretation of sensory information, which is influenced by factors such as attention, expectation, and prior experience
• Sensory information is compared to stored representations in memory to identify relevant stimuli and their significance for motor control (recognizing a ball to catch)
• The response selection stage utilizes sensory information to choose an appropriate motor response based on the individual's goals, the environmental context, and the available motor programs (deciding to kick or throw a ball)
• Sensory feedback is continuously monitored during the execution of a motor response, allowing for online corrections and adjustments to the ongoing movement (adjusting grip force based on tactile feedback)

Memory in information processing theory

Types of memory and their functions

• Memory plays a vital role in the storage and retrieval of information relevant to motor control, including sensory information, motor programs, and past experiences
• Sensory memory briefly holds incoming sensory information for processing in the stimulus identification stage (iconic memory for visual information)
• Short-term memory, also known as working memory, temporarily stores and manipulates information relevant to the current task, such as the selected motor response and any necessary adjustments based on feedback (remembering a sequence of dance steps)
• Long-term memory stores learned motor skills, strategies, and experiences, which can be retrieved and utilized in the response selection and programming stages (recalling how to ride a bicycle)

Motor programs and skill acquisition

• Motor programs, which are pre-structured sets of commands for executing specific movements, are stored in long-term memory and can be retrieved and modified based on the current context and goals (a motor program for a tennis serve)
• The efficiency and effectiveness of motor control can be influenced by the strength and accessibility of relevant memories, as well as the individual's ability to update and modify stored information based on new experiences and feedback
• Skill acquisition involves the development and refinement of motor programs through practice, feedback, and the consolidation of memory traces (learning to play a musical instrument)
• As individuals gain expertise in a motor skill, their reliance on cognitive processing decreases, and the execution of the skill becomes more automatic and efficient (a professional pianist's fluid performance)

Limitations of information processing theory

Simplicity and lack of complexity

• The information processing theory has been criticized for being too simplistic and not accounting for the complexity and variability of human motor control
• The theory's stage-based structure may not accurately reflect the parallel and interactive nature of information processing in the brain (simultaneous processing of sensory information and response selection)
• The information processing theory does not adequately address the role of emotions, motivation, and other psychological factors in motor control (the impact of anxiety on motor performance)

Continuous and dynamic nature of motor control

• The theory's emphasis on discrete processing stages may not capture the continuous and dynamic nature of sensorimotor interactions in real-world situations (the fluid and adaptive nature of walking on uneven terrain)
• The information processing theory does not fully explain how individuals acquire and refine complex motor skills through practice and experience (the development of expertise in sports or music)
• The theory's focus on information processing may neglect the importance of biomechanical and environmental constraints on motor control (the influence of gravity and surface friction on movement)

Individual differences and variability

• Critics argue that the information processing theory does not sufficiently account for the role of individual differences, such as expertise and motor abilities, in shaping motor control strategies (the unique techniques of elite athletes)
• The theory does not fully address the variability and adaptability of motor control across different tasks, environments, and individuals (the ability to adjust gait patterns to different surfaces)
• The information processing theory may not adequately explain the development and coordination of motor skills across the lifespan, from infancy to old age (the changes in motor control associated with aging)