Information Processing Models

In sports, we have to learn and perform a wide range of perceptual-motor skills and select the appropriate skill action for a given situation. Galligan et al. (2000)^[3] identifiy how we make that skill selection through our information processing system. This system is known as the DCR process - we Detect information, Compare it with previous experiences and then React.

Models

Two of the better-known models which are generally referred to are Welford's (Welford 1968)^[1] and Whiting's (Whiting 1969)^[2]. Both models reflect the same process, although they use slightly different terminology. The process is:

stimulus identification stage
response identification/selection stage
response programming stage

Welford's Model

Welford's model suggests that we:

take in information through our senses and temporarily store all of these inputs before sorting them out
the inputs that are seen as relevant to the decision are then stored in the short-term memory
a decision is made by comparing the information in the short-term memory with previous experiences stored in the long-term memory
regarding the long-term memory for the required action, the decision is carried out
the action and the results are stored for future reference
the whole process then begins again

Sensory input

The sensory information relevant to the situation is stored in short-term memory. The information is taken in through the senses before a decision is made in three ways. These are:

what we see (vision)
what we hear (auditory)
what we sense (proprioception)

Short and long-term memories

All information gathered from the various sensory inputs is stored for a split second in the short-term memory before processing. It is suggested that short-term memory can only hold up to seven pieces of information and retain for less than a minute.

Long-term memory, which appears to have a limitless capacity, contains information about past experiences.

Decision process

The decision process occurs by comparing the current situation, held in the short-term memory, with previous experiences, held in tlong-term memory, to determine appropriate action.

Action

The action is performed regarding the movement pattern stored in long-term memory. Once the action is completed, the situation and result are stored in long-term memory for future reference.

Whiting's Model

Whiting identifies three stages:

Perceptual mechanisms (sensory input)
Translator mechanisms (decision process)
Effector mechanisms (action)

References

WELFORD, A.T. (1968) Fundamentals of skill. London: Methuen
WHITING, H. (1969) Acquiring ball skill. London: Bell
GALLIGAN, F. et al. (2000) Acquiring Skill In: GALLIGAN, F. et al., Advanced PE for Edexcel. Bath: Bath Press, p. 116

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Information Processing Models [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/infomodel.htm [Accessed 31/3/2025]

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Galligan et al. (2000)^[3] identifiy how we make that skill selection through our information processing system. This system is known as the DCR process - we Detect information, Compare it with previous experiences and then React. Models Two of the better-known models which are generally referred to are Welford's (Welford 1968)^[1] and Whiting's (Whiting 1969)^[2]. Both models reflect the same process, although they use slightly different terminology. The process is: stimulus identification stage response identification/selection stage response programming stage Welford's Model Welford's model suggests that we: take in information through our senses and temporarily store all of these inputs before sorting them out the inputs that are seen as relevant to the decision are then stored in the short-term memory a decision is made by comparing the information in the short-term memory with previous experiences stored in the long-term memory regarding the long-term memory for the required action, the decision is carried out the action and the results are stored for future reference the whole process then begins again Sensory input The sensory information relevant to the situation is stored in short-term memory. The information is taken in through the senses before a decision is made in three ways. These are: what we see (vision) what we hear (auditory) what we sense (proprioception) Short and long-term memories All information gathered from the various sensory inputs is stored for a split second in the short-term memory before processing. It is suggested that short-term memory can only hold up to seven pieces of information and retain for less than a minute. Long-term memory, which appears to have a limitless capacity, contains information about past experiences. Decision process The decision process occurs by comparing the current situation, held in the short-term memory, with previous experiences, held in tlong-term memory, to determine appropriate action. Action The action is performed regarding the movement pattern stored in long-term memory. Once the action is completed, the situation and result are stored in long-term memory for future reference. Whiting's Model Whiting identifies three stages: Perceptual mechanisms (sensory input) Translator mechanisms (decision process) Effector mechanisms (action) References WELFORD, A.T. (1968) Fundamentals of skill. London: Methuen WHITING, H. (1969) Acquiring ball skill. London: Bell GALLIGAN, F. et al. (2000) Acquiring Skill In: GALLIGAN, F. et al., Advanced PE for Edexcel. Bath: Bath Press, p. 116 Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Information Processing Models [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/infomodel.htm [Accessed 31/3/2025] Cookies This website uses cookies placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. Cookies are used for ads personalisation. You consent to these cookies if you continue to use this website. The site does use Google ads and Google have published information about Google’s use of information.