3.1.2.5.1 General information processing model, to include: — AQA A-Level Physical Education
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3.1.2.5.1 General information processing model, to include: exam tips
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The general information processing model describes how performers take in, interpret, decide on and output information during physical activity. It comprises input, decision making (including stimulus identification, response selection and response programming) and output, with feedback loops refining future responses.
Topic Overview
The general information processing model is a fundamental concept in skill acquisition, explaining how performers process information to make decisions and produce movements. It is central to understanding how skills are learned and executed in physical education and sports performance.
This topic is essential for analysing performance, coaching, and improving decision-making under pressure. It underpins many other areas of A-Level Physical Education, including memory, feedback, and motor programmes, and is frequently examined in both short-answer and extended-response questions.
Key Concepts
- →The model consists of input, decision making (stimulus identification, response selection, response programming), output, and feedback.
- →Input is the detection of stimuli through the senses (exteroceptors and interoceptors).
- →Decision making involves three sequential stages: identifying the stimulus, selecting a response, and programming the movement.
- →Output is the execution of the motor programme, resulting in observable movement.
- →Feedback can be intrinsic or extrinsic, and concurrent or terminal, and is used to refine future performance.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Always use sporting examples to illustrate each stage of the model; this demonstrates application and secures application marks.
- 💡Clearly distinguish between the three components of decision making and use correct terminology such as 'stimulus identification', 'response selection', and 'response programming'.
- 💡When discussing feedback, specify the type (intrinsic/extrinsic, concurrent/terminal) and explain its role in improving performance, not just that it exists.
Common Mistakes
- Students often think the model is linear and ends at output; in fact, feedback loops back to earlier stages to inform future decisions and actions.
- Many believe decision making is a single step; it actually comprises three distinct sub-processes: stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming.
- Some confuse input with perception; input is the raw sensory data, while perception involves interpretation, which occurs during stimulus identification.
Revision Plan
- 1Day 1-2: Learn the definitions and sequence of each stage of the model, creating a flowchart with sporting examples.
- 2Day 3-4: Focus on decision making sub-components; practice applying them to different sports and create flashcards for each term.
- 3Day 5-6: Study feedback types and their role; find real-life examples from elite sport and explain how feedback improves performance.
- 4Day 7-8: Complete past paper questions on the topic, marking your answers against the mark scheme and noting key terms.
- 5Day 9-10: Review weak areas, create mind maps linking this model to other topics like memory and motor programmes, and test yourself with active recall.
Exam Question Types
- 📋Short-answer questions (2-4 marks) asking students to name and describe stages of the model or define components of decision making.
- 📋Application questions (4-6 marks) requiring students to apply the model to a specific sporting scenario, often with a diagram or description.
- 📋Extended-response questions (8-10 marks) evaluating the importance of information processing in skill acquisition or comparing models.
- 📋Data analysis questions where students interpret a diagram of the model and explain the flow of information.
Command Word Expectations (AQA)
Describe
Give a detailed account of the stages of the model, including the sequence and key features. No justification or evaluation required.
Explain
Make clear how or why something happens, often with reference to a sporting example. Show cause and effect between stages.
Evaluate
Make a judgement about the importance or effectiveness of the model, supported by evidence and considering different perspectives. Typically for 8+ mark questions.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Pitfall: Students often confuse the stages of the basic information processing model with the detailed components of the Whiting's model or fail to correctly sequence them.
❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):The information processing model is input, output, and feedback. You see the ball, hit it, and then learn from it.
Example improved answer:The general information processing model consists of three core stages: input (detection of stimuli via the senses), decision making (which involves stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming), and output (the muscular action). Feedback is then received to refine future responses. For example, a batsman in cricket detects the ball (input), identifies it as a yorker (stimulus identification), selects a defensive shot (response selection), programs the movement (response programming), and executes the shot (output).
Examiner Tip: Always name and define each stage in order, and use a sporting example to illustrate the flow from input to output. Remember that decision making has three sub-components: stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming.
Pitfall: Students often omit the role of feedback or incorrectly state that feedback only occurs after output, ignoring its role in ongoing movement correction.
❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):Feedback happens after you perform a skill and tells you if you did it right or wrong.
Example improved answer:Feedback is an essential component of the information processing model. It can be intrinsic (from proprioceptors) or extrinsic (from the environment or coach). Feedback occurs not only after the output but also during the movement (concurrent feedback) to allow adjustments. It informs the performer about the accuracy of the response and helps refine future decisions and actions. For example, a gymnast uses intrinsic feedback during a routine to adjust balance and extrinsic feedback from a coach after landing to improve technique.
Examiner Tip: Distinguish between concurrent and terminal feedback, and between intrinsic and extrinsic feedback. Explain how feedback loops back to the input and decision-making stages to improve performance.
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Question: Describe the general information processing model and explain how it applies to a tennis player returning a serve. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Identify the three main stages: input, decision making, output, and the role of feedback.
- 2.Step 2: Apply each stage to the tennis return: input (watching the ball and opponent), decision making (identifying the type of serve, selecting the return shot, programming the movement), output (executing the return).
- 3.Step 3: Explain how feedback (intrinsic and extrinsic) helps the player adjust for subsequent points.
Final Answer: The general information processing model consists of input, decision making (stimulus identification, response selection, response programming), output, and feedback. In tennis, the player detects the serve (input), identifies it as a slice serve (stimulus identification), selects a cross-court return (response selection), programs the swing (response programming), and executes the shot (output). Feedback from the outcome and coach helps refine future returns.
Question: Explain the role of the three components of decision making in the information processing model, using a sporting example. (4 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Define stimulus identification: recognising and interpreting the incoming stimulus.
- 2.Step 2: Define response selection: choosing the appropriate response from memory.
- 3.Step 3: Define response programming: organising the motor programme to execute the response.
- 4.Step 4: Apply to a sporting example, e.g., a footballer passing: seeing a teammate (stimulus identification), deciding to pass (response selection), and executing the pass (response programming).
Final Answer: Decision making comprises stimulus identification (interpreting the stimulus), response selection (choosing the best response), and response programming (organising the movement). For example, a footballer sees a teammate in space (stimulus identification), decides to play a through ball (response selection), and then coordinates the pass (response programming).
Active Recall Memory Test
What are the three main stages of the general information processing model?
Key Fact: Input, decision making, and output (with feedback).
What are the three components of decision making in the information processing model?
Key Fact: Stimulus identification, response selection, and response programming.
What is the difference between concurrent and terminal feedback?
Key Fact: Concurrent feedback occurs during the movement, while terminal feedback occurs after the movement is completed.
Give an example of intrinsic feedback in sport.
Key Fact: A footballer feeling the contact of the ball on their foot when passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general information processing model in PE?
The general information processing model explains how performers take in information, make decisions, and produce movements. It consists of input, decision making (stimulus identification, response selection, response programming), output, and feedback. It is a key concept in skill acquisition and is used to analyse and improve sports performance.
How does the information processing model apply to sports performance?
In sports, the model helps explain how athletes detect relevant cues (input), decide on the best action (decision making), and execute skills (output). For example, a tennis player sees the ball (input), decides where to hit it (decision making), and plays the shot (output). Feedback then helps them adjust for next time. Understanding this model can improve coaching and training by targeting specific stages.
What are the three stages of decision making in the information processing model?
The three stages are stimulus identification (recognising and interpreting the stimulus), response selection (choosing the appropriate response from memory), and response programming (organising the motor programme to execute the response). These stages occur rapidly and often subconsciously in skilled performers.
Why is feedback important in the information processing model?
Feedback is crucial because it provides information about the outcome of the movement and helps refine future responses. It can be intrinsic (from within the body) or extrinsic (from the environment), and can occur during (concurrent) or after (terminal) the movement. Without feedback, performers cannot adjust or improve their skills.
What is an example of the information processing model in football?
A footballer receives a pass: they see the ball (input), identify it as a pass (stimulus identification), decide to control it and pass to a teammate (response selection), program the movement (response programming), and execute the pass (output). Feedback from the pass helps them adjust weight and direction next time.
How do you revise the information processing model for AQA A-Level PE?
Create a flowchart of the model with definitions and sporting examples. Use flashcards for key terms like stimulus identification and response programming. Practice applying the model to different sports and complete past paper questions. Link it to other topics like feedback and memory to deepen understanding.