June 2011 PSYB3 Cog.Dvlpt essay qu.

Describe and evaluate the information processing approach to children’s cognition. In your answer, you should explain how the information processing approach differs from at least one other approach to cognitive development. (12 marks)

[AO1 = 4 marks, AO2 = 8 marks]

Examiners must read the whole response prior to marking in order to make a band judgement about whether the response is Very Good (10-12), Good (7-9), Average to Weak (4-6) or Poor (1-3). Examiners should be guided by the band judgement when annotating scripts.

AO1 Up to 4 marks for knowledge of the information approach to children’s cognition. Likely content:

* emphasis on cognitive efficiency * task analysis in terms of cognitive processes involved * focus on specific cognitive processes such as memory and problem-solving strategies and stages within these processes * changes identified by Bee (1997) * increased capacity * processing efficiency * rule development * metacognitive awareness * the computer analogy * the active nature of information processing * Siegler’s (1996) overlapping waves theory – use of different strategies overlapping in time.

Relevant evidence includes: * Siegler (1976) - balance scale problem * Siegler & Jenkins (1989) adding strategies * Flavell (1966) study of spontaneous use of memory strategies

Up to two marks for description of relevant evidence.

AO2 Up to 8 marks for evaluation of the information processing approach and for comparison with other approach(es).

Possible content: * knowledge of differences between the information processing approach and other approach * provide detailed information about processes involved in problem solving * early work focuses on solving specific problems – range of concepts covered is not as broad as Piaget * Piaget focuses on concepts whereas IP focuses on strategies which can be used in a variety of contexts * usefulness of applications of findings eg teaching strategies * novel consideration of role of metacognitive awareness * differs from Vygotsky re: extent of consideration of influence of social factors * reductionism * emphasis on experience eg feedback and age in the balance task (contrast with Piaget) * methodological issues eg control * criticisms of specific studies

Top band (7 or 8) discussions should contrast with other approach/approaches. Credit use of relevant evidence. Credit evaluation of methodology if made relevant to evaluation.