Introduction

 Learning theory
 Information
Processing
Theory
 George A.
Miller
(Originator)
Learning Theory
 What is a Learning Theory?
 Descriptive in nature
 It describes how learning occurs
 Different from Instructional Theory, and
Design Theory
 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
Conceptualization of the Human
Memory (taken from Gredler, 1997)
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, people’s
faces, etc.
Concept of Information
Processing
 Encoding=Representing information
 Retention=Holding information
 Retrieval=Getting information back
Experimental details
 Experimental researches cited
 The listeners couldn’t 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
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)
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
Resources
 Theory Into Practice (TIP) Database
 Information Processing Theory
 Instructional-Design Theories Home pag
e
 Gredler, 1997
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