Efficiency of information processing to include:: Translatory mechanism.

The idea

The translatory mechanism is the second stage of information processing: it receives the information selected by the perceptual mechanism and converts it into a decision or action plan. It compares incoming cues with stored memories and past experiences, then decides what response to make. For example, a football player perceives a teammate's run, the translatory mechanism decides whether to pass, shoot or dribble, and the effector mechanism then sends the chosen movement to the muscles. Efficient translation produces quick, appropriate decisions; inefficient translation causes hesitation or poor choices. The mechanism links perception to action and depends on memory, anticipation and decision-making skills. It does not itself produce movement; it prepares the decision that the effector mechanism will execute.

What earns the marks

• The translatory mechanism receives information selected by the perceptual mechanism.
• Efficient translation produces quick, appropriate decisions; inefficient translation causes hesitation or poor choices.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking the translatory mechanism produces the muscular movement.

  Put it right: It makes the decision, while the effector mechanism sends the impulse to the muscles.

• Confusing the translatory mechanism with the perceptual mechanism.

  Put it right: Perception detects and interprets information, while translation decides what to do with it.

• Believing the translatory mechanism works without memory.

  Put it right: It compares current cues with stored memories and past experiences to choose a response.

• Assuming the translatory mechanism is only used in complex sports.

  Put it right: It operates in all information-processing tasks, from simple reactions to complex game play.

Exam tips

• Look for the word 'decision' or 'action plan' in an option to identify the translatory mechanism, and reject options that describe detection or muscular execution.
• Link each option to a stage of information processing: perceptual, translatory or effector, and choose the one that matches the question's focus.
• Use a sporting example such as a football player deciding to pass to check whether an option describes translation rather than perception or execution.