5.2.2

Describe Welford’s model of information processing.

            Welford’s model (1968) includes: (i) sense organs (ii) perception (iii) short-term memory (iv) long-term memory (v) decision making (vi) effector control (vii) feedback.

            

Welford's model suggests that we:

•       Take in information through our senses and temporarily store all of these inputs prior to sorting them out

•       The inputs that are seen as relevant to the decision are then stored in the short-term memory

•       A decision is made by comparing the information in the short-term memory with previous experiences stored in the long-term memory

•       With reference to the long term memory for the required action the decision is carried out

•       The action and the results are stored for future reference

•       The whole process then begins again