Learning theory

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, peoples faces, etc.

6
Concept of Information Processing

• EncodingRepresenting information
• RetentionHolding information
• RetrievalGetting information back

7
Experimental details

• Experimental researches cited
• The listeners couldnt 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
• 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