AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Efficiency of information processing to include:: Recognition.
In Whiting’s information processing model, perception involves the DCR process: Detection, Comparison, and Recognition.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 23 of 30
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In Whiting’s information processing model, perception involves the DCR process: Detection, Comparison, and Recognition. Recognition is the final stage of this perceptual process. After a stimulus is detected by the sense organs and compared to past experiences stored in the long-term memory, recognition occurs when the stimulus is successfully identified and understood. For example, a tennis player detects the spin on an incoming ball, compares it to previous shots they have faced, and recognises it as topspin. Efficient recognition allows the performer to quickly select the appropriate motor programme, reducing reaction time and improving the overall efficiency of information processing.
What earns the marks
- Identifies recognition as the final stage of the DCR (Detection, Comparison, Recognition) perceptual process.
- Explains that recognition occurs when a stimulus is successfully identified and understood.
- States that recognition relies on the prior comparison of the stimulus with past experiences stored in long-term memory.
- Links efficient recognition to faster decision-making and improved efficiency of information processing.
- Provides a sporting example, such as recognising a specific tactical formation or the spin on a ball.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the recognition stage of the DCR process with Schmidt's recognition schema.
Put it right: Focus on perception and identifying a stimulus.
Merging comparison and recognition.
Put it right: Define comparison as matching with memory and recognition as the subsequent identification.
Failing to link recognition to long-term memory.
Put it right: Explain that recognition depends on past experiences stored in memory.
Exam tips
- Always contextualise recognition within the DCR process (Detection, Comparison, Recognition) when discussing perception.
- Use a clear sporting example to show how a performer identifies a specific stimulus, like a bowler's grip in cricket.
- Explicitly state how efficient recognition reduces reaction time and aids the selection of an appropriate response.
Try the lesson
The start of the Efficiency of information processing to include:: Recognition. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which term describes a performer identifying a familiar pattern of play quickly and accurately from the information available?
Listen
In Whiting’s information processing model, perception involves the DCR process: Detection, Comparison, and Recognition. Recognition is the final stage of this perceptual process. After a stimulus is detected by the sense organs and compared to past experiences stored in the long-term memory, recognition occurs when the stimulus is successfully identified and understood. For example, a tennis player detects the spin on an incoming ball, compares it to previous shots they have faced, and recognises it as topspin. Efficient recognition allows the performer to quickly select the appropriate motor programme, reducing reaction time and improving the overall efficiency of information processing. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies recognition as the final stage of the DCR (Detection, Comparison, Recognition) perceptual process. Explains that recognition occurs when a stimulus is successfully identified and understood. States that recognition relies on the prior comparison of the stimulus with past experiences stored in long-term memory. Links efficient recognition to faster decision-making and improved efficiency of information processing. A common slip: Confusing the recognition stage of the DCR process with Schmidt's recognition schema. Instead, focus on perception and identifying a stimulus. Exam tip: Always contextualise recognition within the DCR process (Detection, Comparison, Recognition) when discussing perception.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Comparison with past experiences in long-term memory
- 2. Detection by sense organs
- 3. Stimulus
- 4. Reduced reaction time and improved efficiency of information processing
- 5. Appropriate motor programme selected
- 6. Recognition: stimulus identified and understood
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Recognition
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Perception and the DCR process
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Role of long-term memory
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Efficiency of decision-making
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See every definition
- Recognition
- The final stage of the perceptual process, occurring when a stimulus is successfully identified and understood after being detected and compared to past experiences stored in long-term memory.
- Perception and the DCR process
- In Whiting's information processing model, perception involves Detection, Comparison and Recognition.
- Role of long-term memory
- Recognition relies on the prior comparison of the stimulus with past experiences stored in long-term memory.
- Efficiency of decision-making
- Efficient recognition allows the performer to quickly select the appropriate motor programme, reducing reaction time and improving the overall efficiency of information processing.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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