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THE INFORMATION PROCESSING APPROACH |
This approach to cognitive development attempts to equate human cognition with the computer and its functions of attention, processing, storage, and retrieval. |
Attention |
Adolescents are better at selective attention than are younger children. Selective attention is the ability to focus on relevant information while screening out the irrelevant. |
Adolescents also are better at performing tasks that require divided attention than are preadolescents. This divided attention ability explains how they can listen to the radio, watch TV, and do their homework at the same time (Arnett 77). |
Processing |
Adolescents experience an increase in the speed, capacity, and automaticity of their cognitive functions. |
Storage and retrieval |
Both short-term and long-term memory increase during adolescence. Teenagers are more likely to employ mnemonic devices in their learning. |
 
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